City Research Online

Abstract

Background: The adolescence period is a significant phase in development of non-communicable diseases. Public health interventions that reduce risky behaviours among adolescents are beneficial across the life course. This study assessed the level of NCDs’ risk-related knowledge, the prevalence of NCDs’ risk behaviour, and the sociodemographic predictors of NCDs’ risk-related knowledge and behaviours among in-school adolescents in a southern Nigerian State.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the NCDs’ risk-related knowledge and behaviours among a random multistage sample of 607 students age between 10 and 19 years. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses of data collected were carried out using the IBM SPSS version 22 software.

Results: The mean age of the students was 14.7 (SD = 1.52) years, 57.2% (n=347) of which were females, and 42.8% (n=260) were males. The proportion of students with good overall NCDs risk-related knowledge was 22.7% (n=138). Age, place of residence, family's socioeconomic status, and mother's level of education were significant sociodemographic predictors of good overall NCD risk-related knowledge. Among the students, 66.2% (n=402) self-report inadequate physical activity, 65.7% (n=399) self-report consumption of unhealthy diets, 29.2% (n = 177) self-report current alcohol use, and 3.3% (n = 20) self-report they were current cigarette smokers.
Conclusion: A significant proportion of the surveyed students had poor overall NCDs risk-related knowledge and engaged in NCDs risk behaviours. The relevant stakeholders concern with prevention of NCDs in government and non-governmental organisations should target adolescents in NCD control strategies in the study setting.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	Non-communicable diseases, non-communicable chronic diseases, Non-infectious diseases, Risk-related knowledge, Risk behaviours, Lifestyle, Practices, In-school adolescents, School-age children
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DT Africa H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1603 Secondary Education. High schools R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Healthcare Services Research & Management
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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