Socio-demographic association of non communicable diseases’ risk factors in a representative population of school children: a cross-sectional study in Sousse (Tunisia)
-
Meriam El Ghardallou
,
Jihene Maatoug
Abstract
Introduction:
A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs’) risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children.
Materials and methods:
We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia). A cluster analysis was used to identify different NCDs risk factors clusters, based on tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Subsequent χ2-tests were used to identify differences between the NCDs risk factors clusters in regards to socio-demographic characteristics.
Results:
Four clusters of NCDs risk factors were found: 1) Cluster 1: physical inactivity behavior with normal weight, 2) Cluster 2: physical inactivity behavior associated to excess weight, 3) Cluster 3: unhealthy diet associated to excess weight and low practice of physical activity, and 4) Cluster 4: smoking behavior with physical activity behavior. The pattern of cluster membership differed across sex (<10–3), school level, and socioeconomic level (<10–3) but there was no significant difference between clusters for mother’s education levels and household tenure.
Conclusion:
This study can have important implications for health policy and practice. Indeed, it found that many subjects have simultaneous multiple NCDs risk factors which leads to identify groups at risk and implement integrated intervention program.
Acknowledgments
This article was based on a project funded by the “United Health Group” and by the Research Unit “Santé UR12SP28”: Epidemiologic Transition and Prevention of Chronic Disease of the Ministry of Higher Education, Tunisia.
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Articles in the same Issue
- Physical activity: start at a younger age
- The winner takes it all? Characteristics of adolescent at-risk/problem gamblers in Switzerland
- Laboratory screening in overweight/obese adolescents: do the results change the management?
- Sexual health knowledge in a vulnerable population: a survey of adolescents in the bateyes of La Romana, Dominican Republic
- Socio-demographic association of non communicable diseases’ risk factors in a representative population of school children: a cross-sectional study in Sousse (Tunisia)
- Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks and adherence to physical activity and screen time recommendations among adolescents
- Metformin effectiveness and safety in the management of overweight/obese nondiabetic children and adolescents: metabolic benefits of the continuous exposure to metformin at 12 and 24 months
- Implications for visually stimulating advertisements on NYC subway platforms
- A study on the relationship of sociocultural characteristics, menstrual hygiene practices and gynaecological problems among adolescent girls in Eastern India
- Cultural considerations for the adaptation of an Internet-based intervention for depression prevention in Mainland China
- Follow-up and outcomes of pregnancies in French Guiana: the part of teenage pregnancies
- Prevalence and risk factors for traumatic dental injuries in adolescent children attending special needs schools in India: a comparative study
- Prevalence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender among Japanese university students: a single institution survey
- Personality differences in treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking individuals with self-reported anorexia
- Peptic esophageal stricture in an adolescent with Barrett’s esophagus
- Is emotional eating a problem of concern among adolescents in poor countries? An example from Sudan
