Research Brief Disease Risk Factors in Adolescents

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.

Nugent, R., Hale, J., Hutchinson, B., & Watkins, D. A. (2018). Research Brief: Disease Risk Factors in Adolescents. (RTI Research Brief; No. RTI 11961 0518). RTI International.