Prevalence and predictors of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in individuals aged 10–30 years: Findings from baseline cross-sectional assessment of V-CaN

Adolescence and early adulthood are critical periods for establishing health behaviours that influence the future burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The V-CaN trial aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a participatory health-promotion intervention using existing Village Health, Nutrition and Sanitation Committees (VHNSCs), women's self-help groups (SHGs) and schools to address modifiable NCD risk factors among young people. The objective of this paper is to present the prevalence and predictors for behavioral, anthropometric and biochemical risk factors among young people of 10-30 years age group. The baseline assessment included a cross-sectional survey of 12,000 participants selected by simple random sampling from a Health and Demographic Surveillance System sampling frame. Prevalence of behavioural and anthropometric risk factors was assessed in the full sample, while biochemical risk factors were assessed in a subsample of 1,600 participants. Best-fit multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of physical inactivity, stress, tobacco use and dietary behaviours. Mean daily salt and sugar consumption was 8.7 (±3.1) g and 44.7 (±18.2) g, respectively. Prevalence of smoking, smokeless tobacco use, alcohol consumption, inadequate physical activity, overweight and obesity was 0.3%, 15.3%, 1.8%, 32.4%, 8.1% and 7.6%, respectively. Moderate stress, high stress, anxiety and depression were reported by 74.0%, 4.5%, 16.0% and 27.5% of participants, respectively. Mean cholesterol levels were higher among 20-30 years participants (147.8 ± 33.9) as compared to the adolescents (130.0 ± 27.0). Age, education, occupation, marital status, alcohol and smokeless tobacco use, stress, anxiety, depression and elevated blood pressure were significantly associated with selected modifiable NCD risk factors. The findings demonstrate a substantial burden of modifiable NCD risk factors among young people, particularly smokeless tobacco use, inadequate physical activity and psychological distress. Strengthening prevention, early screening and health-promotion interventions through existing community and educational platforms could support timely risk reduction and contribute to long-term NCD prevention.