Cardio Metabolic Risk Factors among Adolescents in Rural Kerala, India

Cardio metabolic risk factors are a common adjunct of overweight and obesity. Present study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of cardio metabolic risk factors using anthropometric parameters among adolescents from selected rural communities in Kerala and to find the relationship between various risk factors and association with demographic variables. A sample of 455 adolescents was selected by multistage random sampling from 9 rural schools in two selected districts of central Kerala. Height, weight, waist, hip circumferences, and blood pressure were obtained using validated, reliable instruments. Demographic data was obtained using a questionnaire. Ethical clearance from IRB, administrative permission from authorities and assent from subjects were taken prior to data collection. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS vs. 18 in accordance with the objectives listed.

Risk factors were prevalent among rural adolescents in central Kerala;34.1% of the female subjects were overweight by their WHR values; 7.6% having visceral obesity by WC and WHtR values. Among the males, besides pre hypertension andhypertension, general obesity (2.1%), and visceral obesity(4.1%) were seen. Weight was a highly significant risk indicator; and the single most predictive ofsystolic and diastolic blood pressure. More females were found to be at risk categories (34.1% with WHR > 0.81; 7.6% with WC >81cm; and 7.6% with WHtR >0.51). Religion showed significant association with BMI (p<0.05), gender with WHR (p<0.001) and fathers’ occupation with BMI and WHtR (p=0.005). The study ascertains the family, particularly the paternal role is pivotal in reducing cardio metabolic risk by altering the lifestyle of adolescents in rural Kerala.