Health-impacting behaviour among youth in Kolar district, India: a population-based cross-sectional survey

Youths represent a significant portion of the population in Karnataka, India. However, a closer look at their health paints a worrying picture. To gain a deeper understanding of this issue, researchers conducted a study in the Kolar district to assess the prevalence of health-impacting behaviours among this age group.

Cross-sectional population-based survey.

Kolar district in the state of Karnataka, India.

5072 participants aged 15-30 years from the Kolar district.

Various health-impacting behaviours among the participants, including low intake of fruits and vegetables, widespread physical inactivity, tobacco use, risky alcohol consumption and poor practices related to road safety.

The survey unveiled a concerning pattern of unhealthy behaviours prevalent among Kolar's youth. A significant proportion of participants reported low fruit and vegetable intake (ranging from 7)9.7% (CI 77.4 to 81.8) to 87.5% (CI 85.7 to 89.2)). Physical inactivity emerged as another major concern, with prevalence rates varying between 6.2% (CI 5.0 to 7.3) and 27.2% (CI 24.8 to 29.7) depending on gender. Additionally, tobacco use was found to be high, with figures ranging from 9.4% (CI 7.9 to 11.1) to 10.7% (CI 9.1 to 12.3) for different tobacco products. Binge drinking, a risky behaviour, was reported by nearly 40% (CI 30.4 to 43.8) of male participants. The study also revealed concerning trends in risky sexual behaviour, with a prevalence of 2.3% (CI 1.0 to 3.0).

The authors strongly advocate for the implementation of comprehensive interventions that target these priority areas. By addressing these behaviours effectively, we can pave the way for a healthier future for Kolar's youth.