As part of an anonymous survey conducted among 68 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (39 boys and 29 girls, average age — 16.2 ± 1.5 years), respondents were interviewed in shopping centers in the Lenin and October districts of Bishkek. The questionnaire included questions about the consumption of nicotine-containing products (cigarettes and vapes, as well as the frequency and duration of their use), physical activity, sleep quality and duration, as well as the presence of chronic diseases. All participants had their blood pressure and heart rate measured.
According to the study results, every second adolescent turned out to be a consumer of nicotine-containing products. Vaping was found to be the most common practice, while cigarette smoking was observed less frequently, with some respondents combining both types. Nicotine use was more prevalent among boys compared to girls, and there was a noticeable increase in its prevalence with age.
Although the average blood pressure and pulse rates generally corresponded to age norms, adolescents who consumed nicotine had higher systolic blood pressure and heart rate values compared to their non-smoking peers. Nicotine use was also associated with a more frequent occurrence of elevated systolic blood pressure.
About 13% of survey participants reported having chronic diseases. More than half of the adolescents did not engage in regular physical activity, and daily workouts were rare. The average sleep duration for a significant portion of respondents was below the recommended norms, and some adolescents exhibited a pronounced sleep deficit.
Study
Download document
