A national survey-based method for monitoring noncommunicable disease risk factors among adolescents aged 15-17 years across India

Abstract

The National Noncommunicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS) was designed to generate nationally representative estimates of key NCD risk factors and contribute to India's national framework for NCD surveillance. This article presents the methodology and key findings related to adolescents aged 15-17 years. The NNMS was a cross-sectional, community-based survey conducted across India during 2017-2018. It was implemented by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), in collaboration with ten reputed research institutes covering both urban and rural areas. Standardized tools and procedures were employed to ensure consistency and data quality across sites. The survey achieved a high overall response rate of 96.6 %, with participation from 1531 adolescents and 1402 households. Key findings indicate that 3.1 % (95 % CI: 2.0 %-4.7 %) of adolescents reported current daily tobacco use, while 25.2 % (95 % CI: 22.2 %-28.5 %) engaged in insufficient physical activity. Conversely, 74.8 % (95 % CI: 71.5 %-77.8 %) met recommended physical activity levels. Information on dietary behaviors and alcohol use was also collected. As the first nationally representative survey focusing on adolescent NCD risk factors, the NNMS provides crucial baseline data to support India's NCD Action Plan and inform future prevention and control strategies at national and sub-national levels.•This study presents the first nationally representative methodology to estimate NCD risk factors among Indian adolescents aged 15-17 years.•Multistage, community-based sampling design and digital data collection protocol ensured high coverage and data quality across 27 states.•The method is adaptable for state-level surveillance and supports national action plans for adolescent NCD prevention and control.

Keywords: Alcohol consumption; Cross-sectional study; NCD risk factors; Prevalence; Tobacco use.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

NNMS sampling design in rural areas.

Fig. 2

Methodological flowchart outlining the steps from study design to statistical analysis, including adolescent sample selection, fieldworker training, data collection, data cleaning (SPSS), and final analysis (STATA).

Fig. 3

Alcohol use among adolescents by gender (Percentage).

Fig. 4

Adolescents aged 15–17 years who skipped breakfast in the past 30 days prior to the survey by area of residence (Percentage).