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Prevalence of Key Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Urban Adolescents: The CRO-PALS Study

Author

Listed:
  • Ivan Radman

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Maroje Sorić

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
    Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Marjeta Mišigoj-Duraković

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

The occurrence of chronic diseases in youth has become a serious global issue requiring early prevention. Due to the specific environment in large cities, urban youth are especially exposed to risky lifestyle patterns. Objective: This survey aimed to determine the prevalence of key modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in the adolescent population of the Croatian capital Zagreb. Methods: A clustered two-stage random sample design was employed to select a representative group of 903 adolescents (girls n = 444; boys n = 459; age 15.6 ± 0.4) starting their secondary education. Participants were invited to fulfil an electronic questionnaire meant to collect data on daily physical activity, screen time and tobacco use. In addition, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken by medically trained personnel. Data that were not originally categorical were dichotomized based on internationally accepted cut-off values for each risk factor, summarized for females and males, and presented as percentages and 95% confidence intervals. Results: The outcomes suggest that that more than one half did not meet the recommended daily physical activity (girls 59.4%; boys 45.5%), while about one quarter exceeded 2 h of screen time per day and had high blood pressure (girls 26.6% and 21.6%; boys 27.0% and 27.0%, respectively). Moreover, the results indicated nearly one fifth of adolescents had excess weight (girls 16.1%; boys 22.2%) and a similar proportion smoked tobacco (girls 20.8%; boys 17.0%). Conclusions: Local and regional health stakeholders should make additional efforts to promote healthy lifestyles in urban teenagers. Special emphasis should be placed on promoting physical activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivan Radman & Maroje Sorić & Marjeta Mišigoj-Duraković, 2020. "Prevalence of Key Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Urban Adolescents: The CRO-PALS Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:9:p:3162-:d:353224
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lovro Štefan & Marjeta Mišigoj-Duraković & Antonela Devrnja & Hrvoje Podnar & Vilko Petrić & Maroje Sorić, 2018. "Tracking of Physical Activity, Sport Participation, and Sedentary Behaviors over Four Years of High School," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Lovro Štefan & Maroje Sorić & Antonela Devrnja & Hrvoje Podnar & Marjeta Mišigoj-Duraković, 2017. "Is School Type Associated with Objectively Measured Physical Activity in 15-Year-Olds?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-10, November.
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