Awareness of chronic illnesses in young people

Abstract

This study explores young people’s awareness of chronic diseases (hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)) and their lifestyles. The literature review reveals that hypertension and T2DM are linked to each other and whether both or on their own can raise the risk of developing CVA. The literature also shows that a well-balanced diet and the required physical activity can prevent the development of these chronic diseases and the complications. Data was obtained through the use of a questionnaire from 747 young people that attend two co-ed post-secondary schools and the University of Malta between the ages of 15 to 30 years. The questionnaire covered young people’s knowledge of hypertension, T2DM and CVA. The questionnaire also included data on young people’s Body Mass Index (BMI), the amount of time they participate in desirable lifestyle habits and also information about their undesirable habits. Findings showed that young people lacked knowledge on chronic diseases, especially young people living in Gozo. Even though Malta is blessed with a Mediterranean climate where fresh fruit and vegetables are available all year round, findings from the study showed that less than one third of young people (32.6%) consume fruit or vegetables 5 times or more a week. Sixty-one per cent of young people are physically active at a good pace twice, once or never during the week. It was also shown that there was a considerable amount of young males (33.1%) and females (22.4%) that were overweight. Not enough is being done by the recognised authorities in order to tackle the growing amount of people suffering from T2DM, hypertension and CVA. The study recommended that more youth workers are employed by the education department to implement non formal health programmes with the assistance of the ministries of health and education intended to prevent chronic disease.