As part of an anonymous survey conducted among 68 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (39 boys and 29 girls, with an average age of 16.2 ± 1.5 years), respondents were surveyed in shopping centers in Bishkek, located in the Lenin and October districts. The questionnaire covered topics such as the use of nicotine-containing products (including vapes and cigarettes), the frequency and duration of their use, levels of physical activity, quality and duration of sleep, as well as the presence of chronic diseases. Participants also had their blood pressure and heart rate measured.
Every second participant in the study was found to use nicotine. Vaping was the most common, while cigarette smoking was less frequent; some adolescents used both methods. Notably, nicotine was more commonly used by boys compared to girls, and the number of users increased with age.
Although the average blood pressure and pulse rates were generally within the age norm, adolescents who used nicotine demonstrated higher levels of systolic pressure and pulse compared to their non-smoking peers. Elevated systolic pressure was particularly common among those who used nicotine.
About 13% of participants reported having chronic diseases. More than half of the respondents did not engage in regular physical activity, and sports participation was rare. Additionally, a significant portion of respondents slept less than the recommended amount of time, with some experiencing severe sleep deprivation.
Study
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