Prevalence and predictors of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in individuals aged 10-30 years: Findings from baseline cross-sectional assessment of V-CaN.
A large Indian survey of 10-30 year-olds found high rates of smokeless tobacco use (15.3%), physical inactivity (32.4%), and mental health issues, alongside concerning dietary patterns with excess salt and sugar intake. These modifiable risk factors signal an emerging non-communicable disease burden in young Indians that could be addressed through community health programs.
Relevance to India: The study was conducted in Maharashtra, India, tracking disease risk factors in young Indians using local health infrastructure, making findings directly applicable to Indian public health policy and youth health planning.