Abstract:
Four thousand students were selected for component 1 of phase 1, using stratified cluster
sampling method. A sub sample of 440 students was randomly selected for component 11 of
phase 1 of the study. Four schools were randomly selected for phase 11 of the study. A self
administered questionnaire was used to collected from all students in component 11 of
phase 1 of the study. Four schools were randomly selected for phase 11 of the study. A self
administered questionnaire was used to collect information on behavioral risk factors and
measurement of weight, height and blood pressure was carried out to assess overweight and
high blood pressure. Information on socioeconomic status of parents of the students was
also collected using a self administered questionnaire. In addition, a biochemical assessment
of serum lipid and plasma glucose level was carried out in a sub sample of students in
component 11. In phase 11, a school based intervention trial was carried out to reduce
sedentary behavior and to improve knowledge and attitudes towards coronary heart diseases
risk factors among the sub sample of students included in component 1 of phase1, The
intervention program was evaluated using a self administered questionnaire. Knowledge on
most of the CHD risk factors was satisfactory among the adolescents. The intervention
program was successful and it had an effect in reducing physical inactivity and further
improvement of knowledge and attitudes towards CHDS risk factors among the
adolescents. But the sustainability of improved physical activities, knowledge and attitudes
decreased with time. This study demonstrates that the prevalence of some of the behavioral
and biological risk factors for CHD was alarmingly high among the adolescents in the urban
sector, Health service providers should pay special attention on this emerging issue
