In a 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), participants were young people found in the shopping centers of the Lenin and October districts of Bishkek. The survey questions addressed the use of nicotine-containing products, levels of physical activity, quality and duration of sleep, as well as the presence of chronic diseases. Participants' blood pressure and heart rate were also measured.
About 50% of the surveyed adolescents reported consuming nicotine-containing products. Vaping was found to be the most popular, while cigarette smoking was less common; some adolescents used both options. Boys were more likely to use nicotine, and its prevalence significantly increased with age.
Although the average values of blood pressure and pulse remained within normal limits for this age group, adolescents who consumed nicotine showed higher systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to their non-smoking peers. Elevated systolic blood pressure was most frequently observed among adolescents using nicotine.
Approximately 13% of participants reported having chronic diseases. More than half of the respondents did not engage in regular physical exercise, and systematic sports participation was rare. The average sleep duration for many adolescents was below the recommended norms, with some respondents showing a clear sleep deficit.
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