Cumulative prevalence of risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in Iranian adolescents: IHHP-HHPC.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the cumulative prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors in a representative sample of Iranian adolescents.


METHODS
The subjects of this cross-sectional study were 1,000 girls and 1,000 boys, ages 11-18 years, selected by multi stage-random cluster sampling from urban and rural areas of three cities in Iran.


RESULTS
The prevalence of physical inactivity, dyslipidemia, smoking, high blood pressure and obesity (body mass index >95th percentile) were 66.6, 23.7, 8.7, 5.7 and 2.2%, respectively. Of subjects studied, 79.1% had at least one and 24.6% had two cardiovascular disease risk factors. The prevalence of physical inactivity was significantly lower in boys than girls [53.9 vs. 79.3%, respectively, OR 95%CI, 0.44 (0.39-0.51)]. The prevalence of smoking was higher in boys than girls [13.1 vs. 4.2%, respectively, OR 95%CI, 3.4 (2.4-4.9)].


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents, age-appropriate and culturally sensitive interventions for lifestyle change are warranted, so that preventive measures can be taken in a timely manner.
Kelishadi
Roya
R
Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. kelishadi@med.mui.ac.ir
Sadri
Gholamhossein
G
Tavasoli
Ali Akbar
AA
Kahbazi
Manijeh
M
Roohafza
Hamid Reza
HR
Sadeghi
Masoumeh
M
Khosravi
Alireza
A
Sabet
Babak
B
Amani
Ahmad
A
Ansari
Rezvan
R
Alikhassy
Hassan
H
D000293:Adolescent; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000150:complications; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D016730:Program Development; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014505:Urban Population