Effects of age on non-communicable disease risk factors among Nepalese adults

The research paper, published in the PLOS ONE journal, suggests that early identification and management of biological risk factors in younger age groups are essential to prevent their progression into non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Findings Highlight

• The prevalence of selected behavioral risk factors for NCDs, notably smoking, alcohol consumption and insufficient physical activity, and some biological risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia) increases with age.
• The prevalence of most behavioral risk factors was highest among men and women aged 60 years and above.
• The prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia was highest among the elderly, but the prevalence of diabetes and overweight/obesity was highest among the middle aged for both sexes.
• Age interactions in the association between behaviors and biological risk factors were surprisingly weak.
• Age interactions were significant in the association between alcohol consumption and -hypertension, -overweight/obesity and -hyperlipidemia among women.
• The prevalence of NCD risk factors tends to be higher among elders, the interaction between age and risk factors is complex.
• Most NCD risk factors are related to behaviors, which originate in young adulthood.