Young adults represent 21% more risk behaviors for chronic disease than older adults

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) are long-term health conditions that are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors. The most common of these include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and obesity. Much of its occurrence is related to behavioral factors and the accumulation of risky habits, such as alcohol abuse, regular consumption of sugary drinks, smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity in daily life.

A study developed at the UFMG School of Medicine analyzed temporal trends of risky behaviors related to cardiovascular disease in Brazil, revealing an alarming stagnation in the performance of multiple risky behaviors by Brazilians between 2009 and 2019. Results of the research conducted by a doctoral student In Public Health from UFMG School of Medicine, Thays Christina Marquezine Caldera, recently published in the popular science journal, CDC Chronic Disease Prevention, reinforces the alarming public health situation in the country.

In general, it tends to affect the elderly, as a result of biological aging. However, data from the aforementioned research indicates an increase in cases in young adults, mainly due to poor eating habits and healthcare. According to the study, young adults (18 to 34 years old) have an accumulation of cardiovascular risk behavior 21% higher than older adults aged 60 and older.

risk factors

According to the survey, the risky behaviors that contributed most to the coexistence of CNS diseases were smoking, consumption of sugary drinks, and alcohol abuse. It is noted that the coexistence of these behaviors among men is greater than among women, and is inversely related to the age group and years of study. It is estimated that more than 40% of the population perform at least two of these risky behaviors at the same time.

Treatment and prevention

According to the Ministry of Health, approximately 60 million Brazilians suffer from at least one chronic non-communicable disease. Problems such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and obesity cause about 72% of deaths in the country. In the face of such alarming data, prevention and appropriate treatment are very important, not only for patients, but also to avoid overburdening the health system. Careful monitoring by professionals, use of medications when necessary, and lifestyle changes can be exercised.

Reducing or eliminating these daily behaviors can be considered the best form of prevention and a great ally in the treatment of non-communicable diseases. These diseases can be prevented or controlled through healthy lifestyle changes, in addition to seeking appropriate medical care.

Source: UFMG