Study shows that 8 out of 10 adolescents in Brazil are at risk of developing chronic diseases

A study released by researchers from the Paulista School of Nursing at the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) in partnership with the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) showed that 8 out of 10 adolescents in Brazil have two or more factors of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), around 81%. The analysis was published in the scientific journal BMC Pediatrics and evaluated more than 121,580 young people between the ages of 13 and 17.

The study used data from the National School Health Survey (PeNSE). More than 121,580 young people between the ages of 13 and 17 in Brazil were assessed. The most alarming proportion was among young people between the ages of 16 and 17, living in the southeast region of the country. The main diseases recorded in the study were: cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart problems.

Bad habits

The study began by collecting data through a questionnaire. The results showed high rates of habits considered harmful to health, such as the consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. A total of 81.3% of the adolescents analyzed have one or more types of risk behaviors. Among the most frequent habits are: frequent consumption of soft drinks: 17.2%; alcohol consumption: 28.1%; sedentary lifestyle: 54.1%; smoking: 6.8%; and not practicing physical activity: 71.5%.

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_{Alcohol and cigarette consumption are among the biggest risk factors (Photo: reproduction/ Arisara Tongdonnoi/Getty Images Embed)}

Brazil follows global trend

The situation observed in Brazil follows the global trend. The Global Student Health Survey, which involved adolescents aged 11 to 17 from various parts of the world, showed that 82.4% of them reported two or more risk behaviors. The researchers reported in the study that much of the blame for the results lies with the relaxation of “social restrictions imposed by parents or guardians during this phase, which promotes greater independence in decision-making”.

Study points out measures to combat bad habits

In a statement, the researcher at the UFMG School of Nursing, Alanna Gomes da Silva, highlighted that: “Behaviors acquired during adolescence tend to accumulate and remain throughout adulthood, increasing the risk of developing various diseases”.

She also highlighted the importance of adopting measures to raise awareness among young people so that they can take responsibility for their own health. Among the solutions identified in the study is the implementation of intersectoral policies.

Featured Photo: Teenager smoking cigarette (reproduction/Getty Images Embed/Christopher Furlong)