Incidence of non-communicable diseases among college students high in Chennai, shows pilot study

A pilot health screening undertaken among college students in Chennai has indicated that over 12% were either diabetic or at risk, 30% had a high waist circumference, putting them at risk of metabolic syndrome, over 2% had hypertension, and at least 15% had high triglycerides.

The screening was conducted among 10,000 students who were found to be at risk of non-communicable diseases. The students in the high-risk category were identified by the Apollo SHINE Foundation during its decade-long programme of screening college students.

Indira Jayakumar, Medical Director, Apollo SHINE Foundation, said that at least 40% of the students screened complained of mental stress due to various factors, 21% admitted to consuming junk food, and only 16% said they exercised daily. These inputs would enable early identification of risks and guide students towards preventive care.

Ezhilan Naganathan, MLA, said that inducing fear among the students about their health was essential, in order to prevent sickness later in life.

Govi. Chezhiaan, Minister for Higher Education, said that the study was an important infliction on poor awareness on prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the State, and should be extended to all districts.

Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Lilian I. Jasper, Principal and Secretary, Women’s Christian College, and Kishore Manohar, Director, Apollo SHINE Foundation, also spoke.