Perspectives for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases in Tanzania: Is Knowledge Translated into Practice?

Background: In Tanzania, where over a third of the society is impoverished, the burden of NCDs which account for about two-fifths of all disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and one-third of premature deaths has doubled in the past two decades. However, notwithstanding a wider realization of the escalating burden of NCDs across Tanzania, the link between NCD awareness and lifestyle practices at the population level is not well characterized. We aimed to establish the gap between NCD knowledge and healthy behaviors. Methods: This multi-regional community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 regions of Tanzania between September 2022 and June 2023. A 22-item standardized tool evaluating various NCD risk behaviors was used in knowledge assessment and a cut-off of ≥70% was used to denote good knowledge. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare knowledge of NCD risk factors across various NCD risk subgroups. All tests were two tailed, and the significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 5121 individuals were consecutively enrolled. The mean age was 47.2 years and females comprised over three-fifths (60.8%) of the participants. With regard to behavioral NCD risks, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking and alcohol consumption were present in 79.0%, 70.2%, 2.1% and 17.6% of participants, respectively. Moreover, biological risk factors, ie, excess body weight, hypertension, and diabetes were present in 68.4%, 55.8% and 13.0% of participants, respectively. The mean knowledge score was 77.1% and 70.3% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of NCD risk factors. Except for smoking, individuals who showed awareness of various NCD risk factors were found to have significant rates of risky behaviors. Conclusion: Despite sufficient NCD risk knowledge, incongruent lifestyle practices persist, highlighting a crucial concern. This suggests that awareness of NCDs and their risks may influence motivation for change but may not necessarily result in lifestyle modification.

Factorial invariance of college students' scores on the Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to validate college students' scores on the Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory (LPHCI), a screening tool for appraising Global Wellness (combined mental and physical health) and test for differences in Global Wellness across key demographic variables associated with college student health. METHOD: A non-probability sample of 708 college students across four campus locations in three different cities was recruited to test the LPHCI's psychometric properties. RESULTS: Factorial invariance testing demonstrated psychometric equivalence in the meaning of Global Wellness between college students across ethnicity, generational status, and help-seeking history. We also found statistically, however, not practically significant demographic differences in Global Wellness between college students by ethnicity and help-seeking history. CONCLUSION: Findings extend the generalizability of LPHCI scores to a normative sample of college students. Implications for college healthcare providers and directions for future research are discussed.

Development and Initial Validation of Scores on The Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory-2: Brief Version.

We developed and validated scores on the Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory (LPHCI)-2: Brief Version, a short form for measuring global wellness (mental and physical health). Tests of internal structure (EFA, CFA, and higher-order CFA) as well as convergent validity supported the psychometric properties of LPHCI-2: Brief Version scores.

Urbanisation and its associated factors affecting human gut microbiota: where are we heading to?

CONTEXT: The continuous rise in urbanisation and its associated factors has been reflected in the structure of the human gut ecosystem. OBJECTIVE: The main focus of this review is to discuss and summarise the major risk factors associated with urbanisation that affect human gut microbiota thus affecting human health. METHODS: Multiple medical literature databases, namely PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were used to find relevant materials for urbanisation and its major factors affecting human gut microbiota/microbiome. Both layman and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were used in the search. Due to the scarcity of the data, no limitation was set on the publication date. Relevant materials in the English language which include case reports, chapters of books, journal articles, online news reports and medical records were included in this review. RESULTS: Based on the data discussed in the review, it is quite clear that urbanisation and its associated factors have long-standing effects on the human gut microbiota that result in alterations of gut microbial diversity and composition. This is a matter of serious concern as chronic inflammatory diseases are on the rise in urbanised societies. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of the factors associated with urbanisation will help us to identify and implement new biological and social approaches to prevent and treat diseases and improve health globally by deepening our understanding of these relationships and increasing studies across urbanisation gradients.HIGHLIGHTSHuman gut microbiota have been linked to almost every important function, including metabolism, intestinal homeostasis, immune system, biosynthesis of vitamins, brain processes, and behaviour.However, dysbiosis i.e., alteration in the composition and diversity of gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of many chronic conditions.In the 21st century, urbanisation represents a major demographic shift in developed and developing countries.During this period of urbanisation, humans have been exposed to many environmental exposures, all of which have led to the dysbiosis of human gut microbiota.The main focus of the review is to discuss and summarise the major risk factors associated with urbanisation and how it affects the diversity and composition of gut microbiota which ultimately affects human health.

Validation of Scores on The Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory with Black and Latinx Adults in the United States: A Three-Dimensional Model.

The author tested the psychometric properties of the Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory (LPHCI), an interdisciplinary healthcare screening tool, with a stratified random sample (N = 4,009) of Black and Latinx adults in all 50 states. Results of EFA, CFA, higher-order CFA, and multiple-group CFA all supported a 3-dimensional LPHCI model.

Behavioral impact of national health campaigns on healthy lifestyle practices among young adults in Singapore: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: National health campaigns are often used to improve lifestyle behaviors in the general population. However, evidence specifically in the young adult population is scarce. Given the general deterioration of healthy lifestyle practices from adolescence to young adulthood, it is imperative to study this age group. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral impact of a national health campaign in Singapore on the lifestyle practices of young adults, and whether sex or full-time working and schooling status affected lifestyle practices. METHODS: A total of 594 Singaporean respondents aged 18-39 years old were interviewed via a cross-sectional study in December 2019. Lifestyle practices assessed were diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, current tobacco use, and participation in health screening programs. Other factors investigated included exposure to the national health campaign "War on Diabetes" (WoD), sex, ethnicity, and working/schooling status. Multivariable modified Breslow-Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate prevalence risk ratios (PRRs) as measures for the associations in this study, after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Exposure to the WoD campaign had a significant association with meeting dietary recommendations (PRR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.5, p = 0.037), participation in screening (PRR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.5, p = 0.028), and current tobacco use (PRR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, p = 0.003). Males were significantly more likely to meet exercise recommendations (PRR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.5-2.7, p < 0.001), currently use tobacco (PRR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.2-6.9, p < 0.001), and consume alcohol excessively (PRR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.3, p = 0.046), as compared to females. Working young adults were significantly less likely to meet exercise recommendations (PRR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9, p = 0.019) but significantly more likely to be current tobacco users (PRR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-3.1, p = 0.024), as compared to those who were in school. CONCLUSIONS: While this paper affirms that national health campaigns have significant beneficial associations in diet, health screenings and current tobacco use, policymakers should acknowledge that young adults are an age group with different influences that impact their healthy lifestyle habits. Specific interventions that target these subgroups may be required for better health outcomes. Future studies should evaluate other socio-environmental factors that could play a role in modifying the effect of health campaigns among young adults.

Influence of Knowledge and Attitude on Lifestyle Practices Among Seventh-Day Adventists in Metro Manila, Philippines.

This cross-sectional study examined the influence of knowledge and attitude on lifestyle practices (KAP) of the five dimensions of the Adventist Health Message (AHM5D). A sample of 1442 respondents was drawn from seven Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Metro Manila, Philippines. Hierarchical multiple regression showed that the social dimension of knowledge and the physical, spiritual, and social dimensions of attitude, significantly influenced the practices of AHM5D (ß = - .056, p = .037; ß = .236, p < .001; ß = .211, p < .001; ß = .145, p < .001, respectively), with r2 = .334. These findings suggest more effective interventions in the AHM5D promotion.

Lifestyle practices and menopause-related symptoms among women in rural communities of Ado-Ekiti local government area, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Lifestyle modification is consistently recommended for healthy living during menopause; nonetheless, there is paucity of data on menopausal experiences and lifestyle practices of women in rural communities of Nigeria. This study assessed the lifestyle practices of menopausal women, their experiences of menopause-related symptoms and the influence of lifestyle practices on their experiences of menopause-related symptoms. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. Systematic random sampling was used to select 271 menopausal women at household level in rural communities of Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A self-developed structured questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle practices while modified menopause rating scale was used to assess menopausal-related symptoms of the women. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 22 at 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: Findings revealed that 58.3% had poor lifestyle, while 41.0% and 0.7% had moderate and good lifestyle, respectively. Findings showed that 66.4% of the women experienced moderate menopause-related symptoms, while 15.5% and 0.4% of the women had severe and very severe menopause-related symptoms respectively. Result of the multiple regression indicated that Exercise (ß = 0.22, t = 3.63, p = .01), Nutrition (ß = 0.13, t = 2.23, p = .02) and Substance use (ß = 0.04, t = 2.25, p = .02) were major predictors of menopause-related symptoms. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that positive lifestyle modification could help reduce menopausal-related symptoms.

Lifestyle Practices, Satisfaction with Life and the Level of Perceived Stress of Polish and Foreign Medical Students Studying in Poland.

The adaptation of foreign students to a new country can be complicated due to different cultural values, language barriers and the way university courses are structured. The aim of the study was to analyze the lifestyle practices, satisfaction with life and the level of perceived stress of Polish and foreign students studying various medical disciplines in Poland with regard to chosen sociodemographic characteristics. The study included 231 foreign and 213 Polish students (n = 444) taking different medical disciplines at the medical university in eastern Poland. Three research tools were used: Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire (FLQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Additionally, students' sociodemographic data was collected. Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and correlations between variables were also examined. Our research indicated that Polish students obtained higher results in FLQ than foreign students. It also demonstrated a significantly higher level of stress among Polish students in comparison to foreign students. The self-assessment of their health condition, lifestyle, and rank associated to being healthy correlated with FLQ, SWLS and PSS-10. The present research can aid the development of support programs for foreign students so that the cultural adaptation processes would more positively influence their lifestyle and an education environment.

Frequency and Awareness of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases among University Students in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. This study has evaluated the frequency of the risk factors of NCDs and its awareness among students in a University in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 female students of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Wadi Al Dawaser, Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out for a duration of six months, from August 2019 to January 2020. Standard self-administered questionnaire, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were used for data collection, analysed through SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the students was 20.6 years. The results showed that 64.7% of students were physically inactive, 52.4% spend more than two hours watching TV. The intake of adequate amount of fruits (14%) and vegetables (6.8%) was very little.. Junk food was consumed >11 times per week by 37.1%. The prevalence of overweight and severe obesity was 25.9% and 5.1% respectively. Blood sugar analysis showed 1.1% had pre-diabetes and 0.8% had diabetes. About 56.2% of students had no knowledge about NCDs and their risk factors. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of risk factors for NCDs was found among students. Awareness programs about healthy lifestyle practices; periodic screening of school and college students at regular intervals with appropriate advice are warranted to control the rising epidemic of NCDs.

Strengthening immunity through healthy lifestyle practices: Recommendations for lifestyle interventions in the management of COVID-19.

Although the practice of strengthening the immune system may not guarantee that people will not contract severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there is evidence that suggests that the likelihood and severity of many viral infections can be considerably reduced if appropriate measures are taken to increase the efficacy of the immune response to invading organisms. Evidence-based public health measures to reduce viral spread include-personal isolation, physical distancing, wearing facial masks, frequent hand washing with soap and running water, not touching the face, vaccination, etc. However once infected, recovery relies on host immunity to eradicate the foreign invaders, with symptomatic management, which is the core management strategy in COVID-19 management guidelines. Researchers have observed that severe COVID-19 prevalence and mortality is highest in people with preexisting conditions. Eighty percent of these preexisting diseases are lifestyle related. Also, the science of strengthening the immune system by adopting appropriate lifestyle changes is still evolving, especially among the suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. This article briefly highlights the immune response to viral infections including COVID-19 and refers to evidence that healthy lifestyle practices, enshrined as core aspects of lifestyle medicine, can strengthen the immune response to infections. This may improve outcome in COVID-19. We therefore recommend specific evidence-based lifestyle intervention measures that should be considered in the management of COVID-19.

Hypertension prevalence and risk factors in rural and urban Zambian adults in western province: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a longstanding problem in Zambia, yet little is known about its prevalence and risk factors, particularly in rural and urban settings. Identifying geographical variations in hypertension is important to enhance the health of adult Zambians regardless of where they live. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of hypertension and related risk factors between rural (n = 130) and urban (n = 131) communities in Western Province, Zambia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included urban and rural adult Zambians attending health checks who completed a modified World Health Organization (WHO) survey, and had blood pressure and anthropometric measurements completed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and risk factor variables. Chi-square tests of association were used to analyze relationships between categorical variables, t-tests to analyze relationships between continuous variables and logistic regression to examine associations of hypertension with selected risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in rural Zambians was double (46.9%) that of urban Zambians (22.9%). Increasing age, not engaging in walking/biking, and alcohol intake within the last 30 days were associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension in rural Zambians while eating vegetables more days during the week was associated with a decreased likelihood of hypertension in rural Zambians. Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension in urban Zambians. CONCLUSION: Modifiable risk factors (such as BMI, dietary intake, and physical activity) are associated with hypertension prevalence in this population, indicating opportunities for screening and other prevention measures.

Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening among Jamaican Women / Determinantes del cribado de cáncer cervical entre mujeres jamaiquinas

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the extent to which six sociodemographic variables and three lifestyle practices of women are associated with Pap smear testing, given that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of women 's cancer mortality in Jamaica and that this cancer is preventable with the use of screening methods such as the Pap smear. Methods: Secondary data from Jamaica 's 2008 Reproductive Health Survey were utilized in the study. The sample consisted of 6123 women aged between 21 and 49 years who were sexually experienced. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether age, educational attainment, union status, area of residence, wealth quintile, parity, age of sexual initiation, number of lifetime sexual partners and smoking status could predict the likelihood of Pap smear screening among Jamaican women. Results: Of the 6123 women, 79.1% had participated in Pap smear screening. It was found that those who were younger, less educated, single, in visiting relationships, of lower wealth quintiles, had fewer children, an early age of sexual initiation, fewer lifetime sexual partners and who formerly smoked were less likely to undergo Pap smear screening. Conclusion: Policies to increase cervical cancer screening should target women with the characteristics that make them less likely to be screened. Special attention should be directed to poor and uneducated women who are already burdened by their economic and social status. Invitation to screening and periodic small group educational sessions on cervical cancer at public health facilities should also be considered.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar hasta qué punto seis variables sociodemográficas y tres prácticas de estilo de vida de las mujeres, se asocian con las pruebas de Papanicolau, dado que el cáncer cervical es la segunda causa principal de mortalidad por cáncer entre las mujeres en Jamaica, a pesar de que este tipo de cáncer es prevenible con el uso de métodos de cribado como la citología vaginal. Métodos: En el estudio se utilizaron datos secundarios de la Encuesta de Salud Reproductiva de Jamaica en 2008. La muestra estuvo formada por 6123 mujeres de entre 21 y 49 años de edad, que tuvieron experiencia sexual. Se utilizó un análisis de regresión logística para determinar si la edad, el nivel de educación, el estado de la unión, el área de residencia, el quintil de riqueza, la paridad, la edad de iniciación sexual, el número de parejas sexuales en su vida, y el estatus del hábito de fumar podrían predecir la probabilidad del cribado de la prueba de Papanicolau entre las mujeres jamaicanas. Resultados: De las 6123 mujeres, el 79.1% había participado en el cribado de la prueba citológica vaginal. Se encontró que las mujeres más jóvenes, menos educadas, solteras, con relaciones de visita, con quintiles de riqueza más bajos, menos hijos, temprana edad de iniciación sexual, menos parejas sexuales en su vida, y menos dadas a fumar, presentaban menor probabilidad de someterse a las pruebas de Papanicolau. Conclusión: Las políticas encaminadas a aumentar el cribado del cáncer cervical, deben dirigirse a las mujeres con características que las hacen menos propensas a ser examinadas. Debe prestarse especial atención a las mujeres pobres e incultas, que ya están agobiadas por su estatus económico y social. También debe tenerse en cuenta la invitación a participar tanto en el cribado como en las sesiones educativas periódicas sobre el cáncer cervical, realizadas por grupos pequeños en los centros de salud pública.

Hypertension knowledge, heart healthy lifestyle practices and medication adherence among adults with hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To assess patients' knowledge about hypertension and its association with heart healthy lifestyle practices and medication adherence. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional survey of 385 adults with hypertension treated at 2 primary care clinics in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. We used an 11-item measure to assess hypertension knowledge and obtained self-reports on dietary changes, engagement in aerobic exercise and medication adherence. RESULTS: Approximately 85% of patients properly identified high blood pressure, but more than two-thirds were unaware that hypertension lasts a lifetime once diagnosed; one-third were unaware that hypertension could lead to renal disease. Patients with low hypertension knowledge were less likely to reduce their salt intake (OR=0.44 [95% CI: 0.24-0.72]) and eat less to lose weight (OR=0.48 [95% CI: 0.26-0.87]) than patients with high hypertension knowledge. CONCLUSION: In general, patients were knowledgeable about hypertension, but most were unaware that hypertension is a lifelong condition and could lead to kidney disease. High knowledge of hypertension was associated with healthy lifestyle practices including eating less to lose weight and dietary salt reduction. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Intensifying education strategies to improve patients' knowledge of hypertension may enhance their engagement in heart healthy lifestyle practices for optimal blood pressure control.

Lifestyle practices, health problems, and quality of life after coronary artery bypass grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Severe coronary artery disease continues to be a major health problem in India, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the accepted modality of treatment. Post-operative long-term quality of life depends on the healthy lifestyle practices and appropriate control of risk factors. We tried to bring out the patient awareness and their practices after the surgery and their implications on their quality of life (QOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred patients who completed 6 months after isolated CABG were interrogated for their lifestyle practices, health problems, and quality of life using a structured questionnaire. Those who underwent additional cardiac procedures, redo CABG, and coronary interventions after CABG were excluded. RESULTS: Eighty percent were in good functional class (NYHA I, II). Detailed evaluation showed that only 11.6% adhered to healthy lifestyle practices. Obesity, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia continued to be problems in 9.6, 20.2, 35, and 48.4%, respectively. Quality of life was assessed to be good in 27.6%, average in 46.4%, and poor in 26%. Psychological evaluation showed that 23% were significantly anxious and 20% had significant depression. Pre-operative diagnosis and left ventricular function at discharge influenced the QOL. Unhealthy lifestyle practices and failure to attain risk factor reduction adversely affected the quality of life. CONCLUSION: This study emphasises the need for aggressive counselling as well as continuing health education to improve patient awareness about adopting healthy lifestyle practices after CABG to improve the quality of life.

Health awareness, lifestyle and dietary behavior of university students in the northeast part of Bangladesh.

INTRODUCTION: University students generally face a variety of challenges. During this period of life, they practice some unhealthy eating patterns and lifestyles. Therefore, we aimed to assess the health awareness status of university students from the northeast part of Bangladesh and to evaluate its associated factors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a stratified random sampling among public and private university students from the northeast region of Bangladesh and interviewed 1143 students. We used a self-reported questionnaire, including questions related to awareness status, lifestyle practice, dietary habit and socio-demographic factors. To assess students' health awareness status and its association with their lifestyle practices and socio-demographic factors, we used logistic regression models. RESULTS: The majority (61%) of the students were not aware of better health status and their dietary habits were not adequate. Smokers [odds ratio (OR): 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44, 0.99] were less likely to be aware of better health status. The participants who thought that they were leading a healthy lifestyle were less likely (OR: 0.71; CI: 0.56, 0.92) to be aware. Moreover, frequency of participating in sports and the psychological factors related to eating behaviors were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with health awareness status. CONCLUSION: Our study findings may help to create a foundation for possible interventional programs on health awareness and nutritional education to improve the health awareness status and dietary behavior of university students. To prevent students from poor eating habits while feeling happy, effective programs (e.g. seminars, projects and media campaigns) should be held, which may include enhancing healthy and recommended amounts of food consumption.

Maximizing the Functional Performance Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation by Maximizing Their Overall Health and Wellbeing.

To maximize the performance of an athlete, a team of experts work together to ensure each athlete achieves the maximal benefit from their prescribed exercise conditioning programs. In addition to the exercise specialists, the athlete's team frequently includes psychologists (who address performance anxiety, stress, and depression), counselors (who address smoking cessation, reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption if necessary, weight optimization, and optimal sleep), and nutritionists (who address optimal nutrition and body mass attributes). Such a collaborative approach has become standard practice for athletes aiming to excel in their sports. Despite unequivocal and compelling evidence, this paradigm has only weakly been transferred to the needs of patients participating in rehabilitation programs. These individuals, like the athlete, also need to achieve their highest level of functional performance and recovery for carrying out their activities of daily living, managing the needs of their families, and often returning to work. This article reviews the evidence-based literature and the implications of this multifaceted approach in rehabilitation programs. The augmented benefits to exercise training and conditioning (prescriptive activity/exercise and less sitting) along with their 'effect sizes' are described in the rehabilitation context, in conjunction with smoking cessation, reduced harmful alcohol consumption, optimal nutrition, optimal body mass, manageable stress, and optimal sleep. These factors can be viewed as physical performance enhancers both in individuals participating in rehabilitation whose aim is maximal performance and recovery and in athletes aiming for maximal performance in their sports. Thus, without targeted attention to these lifestyle factors, rehabilitation outcomes cannot be maximized. The evidence presented in this article has implications for health professionals including physical therapists and others who are practicing in rehabilitation settings and those working with individuals in need in the community.

Knowledge of non-communicable diseases and practices related to healthy lifestyles among adolescents, in state schools of a selected educational division in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: Behaviors established during the adolescence have life-long consequences to the onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. Therefore, it is essential to understand adolescents' knowledge and practices with the intention of developing preventive programs focusing on this age group. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge about selected NCDs, and lifestyle choices among school students aged 17-19 years in state schools of the Maharagama Educational Division, Sri Lanka. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among students aged 17-19 years attending state schools in Maharagama Education Division. A total of 634 students were selected from 9 schools conducting Advance Level classes. Stratified sampling was done based on stream of study and the number needed from each stratum was decided according to probability proportionate to size which was followed by cluster sampling within the strata to select the classes included. Data were collected using a self-administered-questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics and economic status; lifestyle-related practices; knowledge on Non-Communicable -Diseases. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations. RESULTS: Proportion students with good overall knowledge was 43%(n = 272). Forty-three percent (n = 275) consumed a healthy diet, and 20%(n = 129) engaged in adequate physical activity 3%(n = 18) of students were current smokers and 12%(n = 73) current alcohol users 12%(n = 73). Overall "good" knowledge about NCDs was associated with being a science stream student(OR = 3.3; 95%CI:2.1-5.2). Healthy diet was associated with female sex (OR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.5-3.0), and adequate physical activity with male sex (OR = 2.1; 95% CI:1.4-3.2), non-science-stream (OR = 2.1; 95%CI:1.2-3.7) and upper socio economic status (OR = 2.0; 95%CI:1.3-3.0). Non-smoking was associated with overall good knowledge (OR = 4.1; 95%CI:1.2-13.7) and female sex (OR = 0;95%CI:1.5-infinity). Abstinence from alcohol was associated with being a female (OR = 6.9; 95%CI:3.4-13.9), and with mother and fathers' education level of > General-Certificate of Examinations Ordinary Level (GCE O/L) (OR = 2.9; 95%CI:1.1-8.4 and OR = 3.5; 95%CI:1.1-11.2 respectively). CONCLUSION: Knowledge about NCDs and healthy lifestyle-practices were poor among school students aged 17-19 years. Lack of knowledge about healthy and unhealthy behaviors highlights the importance of carrying out regular surveillance for NCD risk factors, and initiating programs for the prevention of NCDs amongst adolescents.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Individual Components Among Midwestern University Students.

Michigan has the 17th highest adult obesity rate in the United States. Among college-aged adults between 18 and 25 years old, the rate of obesity was 11.6%. Obesity is a key precedent for the development of metabolic syndrome. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components among a sample of students at Central Michigan University. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 462 students, aged 18-25 years, in Spring 2015 and Fall/Spring 2016 semesters. Students were recruited throughout the campus via flyers, in-class, and Blackboard announcements. Biochemical, anthropometric, and blood pressure measurements were taken for all students. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was estimated based on the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Multivariable analysis was used to assess the prevalence of metabolic risk components. To explore the association between metabolic risk factors and lifestyle behaviors, students filled out a validated online questionnaire related to their eating habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns. Metabolic syndrome was not prevalent in our sample. However, about one-third of the students had at least one metabolic abnormality, and 6.0% had two metabolic abnormalities. The most common metabolic abnormalities were low HDL-cholesterol levels (22.0%) and high waist circumference (12.6%), and elevated serum triglyceride (5.8%). Adjusting for other factors, excess adiposity and high visceral fat scores were associated with increased risk of metabolic risk factors, whereas healthy lifestyle practices such as daily breakfast consumption, eating three meals a day, being active, and not smoking were associated with lower risks for MetS. Given the adverse consequences of undiagnosed metabolic abnormalities, efforts to identify and manage MetS among asymptomatic college students, particularly women, is essential and warrants further research.

Ethnic Differences in the Food Intake Patterns and Its Associated Factors of Adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify the ethnic differences in dietary patterns and its association with socio-economic, dietary and lifestyle practices among adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia. METHODS: A population-based study of 454 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years was included. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary patterns and three dietary patterns were identified based on the principal component analysis method. RESULTS: Malay adolescents had significantly higher scores for the Western-based food pattern and local-based food pattern, whereas Chinese adolescents showed higher scores for the healthy-based food pattern. Multivariate analyses show that age and physical activity (PA) levels were positively associated with healthy-based food pattern in Malay (All, p < 0.001), whereas higher consumption of eating-out from home (EatOut) (p = 0.014) and fast food (p = 0.041) were negatively associated. High weekly breakfast skipping (p < 0.001) and EatOut (p = 0.003) were positively associated with a Western-based pattern, whereas age (p < 0.001) and household income (p = 0.005) were negatively associated. Higher frequency of daily snacking (p = 0.013) was positively associated with local-based food pattern. For Chinese adolescents, age (p < 0.001), PA levels (p < 0.001) and maternal education level (p = 0.035) showed positive associations with the healthy-based pattern, whereas high EatOut (p = 0.001) and fast food intakes (p = 0.001) were negatively associated. Higher weekly consumption of EatOut (p = 0.007), fast food (p = 0.023) and carbonated beverages (p = 0.023), and daily snacking practice (p = 0.004) were positively associated with higher Western-based food pattern, whereas age (p = 0.004) was inversely associated. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there were significant differences in dietary patterns and its association factors between Malay and Chinese adolescents. More importantly, these findings suggest that unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices could increase the risk of adherence to unhealthy Western-based food pattern that is high in fat, sugar and salt contents, and, consequently, increase the risk of developing obesity and metabolic-related disorders during these critical years of growth.