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Nugent, R., Hale, J., Hutchinson, B., & Watkins, D. A. (2018). Research Brief: Disease Risk Factors in Adolescents. RTI International. RTI International Research Brief No. RTI 11961 0518 http://www.rti.org/ncds
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) -- including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, mental disorders, and injuries -- are a major global health concern. More people e(almost 40 million deaths in 201606) die from NCDs than from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined. Most NCDs are caused by a handful of important risk factors and behaviors. NCD risk often starts during the adolescent years (defined in this study as 10-19 years old) and develops slowing into adulthood. Two-thirds of premature NDC deaths in adults are associated with behaviors initiated during youth and early adulthood, underscoring the importance of NCD prevention during adolescence.