title: The Role of Neighborhood Environment in Promoting Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease among Young Adults: Data from Middle to High Income Population in an Asian Megacity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have their triggers in the neighborhood environments of communities. Studying the environmental triggers for CVD risk factors is important to understand the situation in a broader perspective. Young adults are influenced the most by the environment profile around them hence it is important to study this subset of the population.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a descriptive study conducted using the EPOCH research tool designed by the authors of the PURE study. The study population consisted of young adults aged 18-25 in two areas of Karachi. The study setting was busy shopping malls frequented by young adults in the particular community being studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our total sample size was 120 individuals, who consented to be interviewed by our interviewers. Less than 50% of the population recognized some form of restriction regarding smoking in their communities. The largest contributor to tobacco advertising was actors smoking in movies and TV shows with 89% responses from both communities. Only 11.9% of the individuals disapproved of smoking cigarettes among men with wide acceptance of 'sheesha' across all age groups. Advertising for smoking and junk food was more frequent as compared to smoking cessation, healthy diet and exercise in both the areas. Unhealthy food items were more easily available in contrast to healthier options. The cost of healthy snack food options including vegetables and fruits was higher than sugary drinks and foods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This assessment showed that both communities were exposed to environments that promote risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Mohammad Ahraz
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hussain
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Sandal
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Noorani
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Amna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Hafsa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Asad
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Anam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rehan
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Aamir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kazi
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Mirza Zain
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Baig
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Arish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Noor
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Amash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aqil
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Nida Shahab
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Bham
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Mohammad Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Medical College, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Irfan Nazir
authors.initials: IN
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: M Masood
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Kadir
mesh_terms: D044466:Asian People; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000067088:Direct-to-Consumer Advertising; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010154:Pakistan; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult