Abstract
Abstract
Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases develop long before adulthood, with adolescence representing a critical period for the accumulation of risk factors. The use of nicotine-containing products, including electronic cigarettes, as well as sedentary lifestyle and sleep deprivation, adversely affect cardiovascular health. In Kyrgyzstan, data on the prevalence of smoking and vaping among adolescents and their impact on cardiovascular parameters remain limited.
Aim. To assess the prevalence of smoking and vaping among adolescents and their association with cardiovascular parameters, sleep, and physical activity.
Material and Methods. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted among adolescents aged 13–18 years (a total of 68 questionnaires were collected, including 39 boys and 29 girls; mean age 16.2 ± 1.5 years) in shopping centers of the Lenin and Oktyabr districts of Bishkek. The questionnaire included items on habits (vaping, cigarette smoking, duration and frequency), presence of chronic diseases, physical activity, subjective sleep quality, and sleep duration. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured in all participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were grouped by age, type and frequency of nicotine use, and sex, and compared according to nicotine use (vaping and/or smoking).
Results and Discussion. Any use of nicotine-containing products was reported by 50.0% of adolescents. Vaping was practiced by 38.2%, cigarette smoking by 35.3%; combined use of vaping and cigarettes by 23.5%; exclusive vaping by 14.7%, and exclusive cigarette smoking by 11.8%. The prevalence of nicotine use was significantly higher among boys (66.7%) compared to girls (27.6%). The relative risk of smoking among boys was 2.4 times higher (RR = 2.42), and the odds ratio for smoking initiation was 5.25 (OR = 5.25) compared to girls; these differences were statistically significant (p ≈ 0.002). The prevalence of nicotine use increased with age, from 0% in the 13–14-year group to 71.4% in the 17–18-year group.
Mean blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) values in the total sample were: systolic BP 116.2 ± 18.1 mmHg, diastolic BP 74.2 ± 16.7 mmHg, and HR 91.2 ± 18.3 bpm. Adolescents using nicotine had higher systolic BP (120.1 vs 112.4 mmHg) and HR (92.6 vs 89.9 bpm). Elevated systolic BP (≥130 mmHg) was observed in 20.6% of respondents; among nicotine users this proportion was 29.4%, compared to 11.8% among non-users. The risk of elevated systolic BP was 2.5 times higher in smokers (RR = 2.5), with an odds ratio of 3.13 (OR = 3.13); these differences were statistically significant (χ² = 4.22, p ≈ 0.04).
Chronic diseases were reported by 13.2% of respondents (including bronchitis, sinusitis, anemia, psoriasis, etc.). More than half of adolescents did not engage in regular physical activity (57.4%), while only 5.9% exercised daily. Mean sleep duration was 7.8 ± 2.2 hours, with some participants reporting severe sleep deprivation (2–4 hours).
Conclusion. This pilot study among adolescents in Kyrgyzstan demonstrated a high prevalence of vaping and smoking, particularly among boys and older adolescents, as well as frequent combined use of nicotine products. Adolescents using nicotine showed higher systolic BP and HR values and a greater proportion of elevated BP. The combination of nicotine exposure, insufficient physical activity, sleep disturbances, and chronic diseases contributes to an unfavorable cardiovascular profile already in adolescence. These findings highlight the need for early preventive programs in schools and colleges, including BP screening, nicotine cessation education, and promotion of regular physical activity.