Prevalence and combination of behavioral risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in secondary vocational education students

Aim. To assess the prevalence and combination of behavioral risk factors (BRFs) for noncommunicable diseases in secondary vocational education students. Material and methods. A sociological survey of secondary vocational educational students in Bryansk was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions concerning BRFs. A total of 1664 respondents were surveyed (response rate, 62%). The results were processed using the SPSS 22.0 statistical package. Results. The mean age was 17,5±1,4 years (minors — 50,7%; men — 26,7%). The leading risk factor was unhealthy diet, accounting for 56,7%. Smoking was second (24,2%), with men smoking more than women (p=0,001). Alcohol consumption was reported by 21,9%, with men significantly more frequently (p=0,037). The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 16,9%. The prevalence of low physical activity was 15,5%. In addition, 19,9% of students did not have any BFRs. The proportion of individuals with multiple risk factors among minors was 25%, and among those aged 18 years or older — 32,8%. A combination of multiple risk factors is significantly more common in adults (p=0,001). Conclusion. A low adherence to healthy lifestyle and a high prevalence of risk factors were found among students. The proportion of students with multiple risk factors increases with age. Adolescent behavioral characteristics necessitate targeted interventions against risk factors and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Monitoring risk factors and developing preventive programs are key components of successful risk factor management.