Epidemiological situation related to behavioral risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in the youth population

Introduction. Cardiometabolic diseases are highly prevalent among the adult population of all age groups and all regions worldwide. It seems relevant to produce data on risk factors in the youth population, including in the study many regions of the Russian Federation and increasing the study population. Aim. To assess the epidemiological situation in terms of the prevalence of the main behavioral risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases among students. Materials and Methods. A total of 3,296 students from 19 higher educational institutions in 16 cities, i. e., Blagoveshchensk, Vladivostok, Volgograd, Kemerovo, Moscow, Nalchik, Novosibirsk, Pyatigorsk, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, Surgut, Ryazan, Tomsk, Ulyanovsk, Chelyabinsk, and Yaroslavl, participated in the simultaneous study. The survey was conducted using a pre-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire data included gender, age, average academic performance, and year of study. Burdened heredity was assessed for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Status of smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition, and physical activity levels were recorded. The findings were analyzed statistically and visualized using the R 4.3.1 environment for statistical calculations. Results and Discussion. High levels of the main risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases were found in young people, such as family history, smoking and alcohol consumption, low physical activity, and unhealthy nutrition. Women are more likely to have a family history of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, low physical activity, and wine and sweets consumption. Men are more likely to smoke heavily, drink beer, and consume alcohol excessively. The study showed a high prevalence of behavioral risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases among student-age population in various regions of Russia. Conclusions. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of the main risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases among young individuals. Women are more likely to have a family history of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, low physical activity, and increased wine and sweets consumption. Men are more likely to smoke heavily, drink beer, drink strong alcoholic beverages, and generally consume excessive amounts of alcohol. The data obtained indicate the need for developing and implementing gender-specific prevention programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of risk factors and forming sustainable healthy habits among young people.