Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among undergraduates in south western Nigeria: knowledge, prevalence and correlates: a comparative cross-sectional study

Low- and middle-income countries are experiencing a transition from a preponderance of infectious to Non-Communicable Dis- eases (NCDs). Many of the behaviours that produce these risks often commence in late adolescence. The study assessed the prev- alence and knowledge of the major risk factors for NCDs among undergraduates in Ibadan Metropolis. This was a comparative cross-sectional study using a systematic random sampling tech- nique. Data were collected using the WHO STEPs questionnaire and were entered and analysed using SPSS version 21. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and logistic regression at p< 0.05. Of 1,200 undergraduates, 646 (53.8%) were male and 1062 (88.5%) were aged 15-24 years; mean age was 20.4 (+/-3.5) years; 673 (56.1%) lived on campus. Only 3.1% of the respondents were current tobacco smokers. Also, 51.3% of respondents currently take alcohol with 11.2% classified as hav- ing excess alcohol use (> 6 standard drinks in one sitting in the last 30 days). About three quarters (70.6%) of respondents were classified as having unhealthy diets based on fruit/vegetable serv- ings per day. Only 29.3% had adequate physical activity. Moreo- ver, 48.3% were classified as having poor knowledge of the risk factors for NCDs. Overall, 99.3% of respondents had at least one behavioural risk factor. Public university undergraduates were more likely to have good knowledge of these risk factors OR 1.485 (95% CI: 1.485-2.398, p< 0.001)....
Source: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research