Youth self-report on Psychological and Physical Symptoms as related to family history of Cardiovascular Disease in Indian adolescent

Purpose of the abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is approaching epidemic proportions in India requiring urgent preventive action. We conducted a CVD health self-assessment as part of a School-based Teenage Education Program focusing on high-risk behaviors of teenagers (13-16 yrs old) in India.

Methods: 8th grade participants (n=832, 414 males) were administered self-report measures assessing: family history of CVD (coronary heart disease, essential hypertension, and stroke); Youth Pediatric Symptom Checklist (Y-PSC) including somatic symptoms; three subscales of the Personal Adjustment and Role Skills Scale III (anxiety/depression, withdrawal and hostility); and a self-reported history of physical and mental health problems.

Results: T tests indicated that youth with a positive family history of Coronary Heart Disease (n=52) reported significantly higher somatic symptoms (11.69 vs 9.53; p<.02), increased anxiety/depression (5.50 vs 4.56, p<.03), and stress (.38 vs .18; p<.005) compared to participants with a negative family history. Positive family history of Essential Hypertension (n=106) was associated with higher somatic symptoms (11.58 vs 9.35; p<.001), greater anxiety/depression (5.70 vs 4.45; p<.001), and higher hostility (4.88 vs 4.33; p<.05), and increased self-reports of headaches (.64 vs .50; p<.007). Positive family history of Stroke (n=28) was associated with increased self-reports of allergies (.36 vs .16; p<.04) and stress (.39 vs .19; p<.04).

Recommendations: Family history of CVD among youth is associated with increased symptoms of depression, stress and somatic symptoms. Since these factors are strong predictors of the future development of CVD, it may be important to develop prevention programs to address these targets among Indian youth.