Sociodemographic predictors of non-communicable diseases risk-related knowledge and behaviours: a cross-sectional study of in-school adolescents in a southern Nigerian State

Abstract

Introduction the adolescence period is a significant phase in development of non-communicable diseases. Public health interventions that reduce risky behaviors among adolescents are beneficial across the life course. This study assessed the level of non-communicable diseases (NCDs´) risk-related knowledge, the prevalence of NCDs´ risk behavior, and the sociodemographic predictors of NCDs´ risk-related knowledge and behaviors 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 behaviors among a random multistage sample of 607 students age between 10 and 19 years. Data were 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 behaviors. The relevant stakeholders concern with prevention of NCDs in government and non-governmental organizations should target adolescents in NCD control strategies in the study setting.