Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) -- including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, mental disorders, and injuries -- are a major global health concern. More people e(almost 40 million deaths in 201606) die from NCDs than from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined. Most NCDs are caused by a handful of important risk factors and behaviors. NCD risk often starts during the adolescent years (defined in this study as 10-19 years old) and develops slowing into adulthood. Two-thirds of premature NDC deaths in adults are associated with behaviors initiated during youth and early adulthood, underscoring the importance of NCD prevention during adolescence.
