Trends in cardiovascular risk factors of Siberian adolescents during socioeconomic reforms in Russia (1989-2003).

Objective: Prevalence and trends of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescent population in Novosibirsk during the reforms in Russia (1989-2003).

Study design: Four cross-sectional surveys of representative samples of schoolchildren aged 14-17 since 1989 (total--2,569).

Methods: Body mass index (BMI) was calculated (kg/m2), blood pressure was double measured with Korotkov's method, and serum total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were estimated with enzymatic methods. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated with Friedwald's formula. Self-report of smoking (1 cig/week and more) and physical inactivity (2 h/week and less) was obtained. Diet was estimated using 24-hour dietary recall.

Results: Prevalence of high TC, high LDL-C and low HDL-C significantly decreased in both gender groups. Prevalence of arterial hypertension also decreased in boys and girls. Frequency of overweight decreased more in girls. Trends in diet showed significant decreasing of total energy and basic nutrient intakes. Cigarette smoking rate decreased in boys and increased in girls. Physical inactivity rate was high in boys and girls.

Conclusion: Obtained data indicate similar trends to reduction in classical CVD risk factors, energy intake and life style changes among Siberian adolescents during the period of socioeconomic reforms in Russia.