Cumulative Prevalence of Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases in Iranian Adolescents: Ihhp-Hhpc Publisher Pubmed



Kelishadi R^{1, 9} ; Sadri G² ; Tavasoli AA² ; Kahbazi M³ ; Roohafza HR⁴ ; Sadeghi M⁵ ; Khosravi A⁶ ; Sabet B⁷ ; Amani A³ ; Ansari R¹ ; Alikhassy H⁸
Source: Jornal de Pediatria Published:2005

Abstract

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)]. Conclusion: 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. Copyright © 2005 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.