Prevalence of Non-communicable diseases risk factors among school-going adolescents – A Government and Private school variation

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of mortality globally, with risk factors often originating during adolescence. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of these risk factors among school-going adolescents is crucial for early intervention. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of lifestyle-associated NCD risk factors among apparently healthy adolescents in urban Meerut and to compare these between government and private school students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescents aged 10–19 years, selected through multistage random sampling from one government and one private secondary school. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, followed by anthropometric measurements. Analysis was performed using CDC Epi Info™ version 7.2.3.1, with Chi-square tests applied; p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Only 2.25% of participants had no identifiable NCD risk factor, while 46.25% had two and 34% had three or more. Daily vegetable intake was significantly higher in government school students, whereas daily fruit and fast food consumption were higher in private school students. Adequate physical activity (>60 min/day) was more prevalent in government schools, while alcohol consumption was significantly higher among government school adolescents. No significant differences were found in screen time, smoking, or smokeless tobacco use. Overall, 20.25% of adolescents were overweight/obese, with higher prevalence in private schools. Conclusion: Multiple lifestyle-related NCD risk factors are highly prevalent among adolescents, with notable variations between government and private schools. School- and community-based interventions focusing on diet, physical activity, and substance use prevention are essential to curb the future burden of NCDs.