Abstract
BackgroundBehaviors established during the adolescence have life-long consequences to the onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. Therefore, it is essential to understand adolescents’ knowledge and practices with the intention of developing preventive programs focusing on this age group. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge about selected NCDs, and lifestyle choices among school students aged 17–19 years in state schools of the Maharagama Educational Division, Sri Lanka.MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among students aged 17–19 years attending state schools in Maharagama Education Division. A total of 634 students were selected from 9 schools conducting Advance Level classes. Stratified sampling was done based on stream of study and the number needed from each stratum was decided according to probability proportionate to size which was followed by cluster sampling within the strata to select the classes included.Data were collected using a self-administered-questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics and economic status; lifestyle-related practices; knowledge on Non-Communicable -Diseases. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations.ResultsProportion students with good overall knowledge was 43%(n = 272). Forty-three percent (n = 275) consumed a healthy diet, and 20%(n = 129) engaged in adequate physical activity 3%(n = 18) of students were current smokers and 12%(n = 73) current alcohol users 12%(n = 73).Overall “good” knowledge about NCDs was associated with being a science stream student(OR = 3.3; 95%CI:2.1–5.2). Healthy diet was associated with female sex (OR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.5–3.0), and adequate physical activity with male sex (OR = 2.1; 95% CI:1.4–3.2), non-science-stream (OR = 2.1; 95%CI:1.2–3.7) and upper socio economic status (OR = 2.0; 95%CI:1.3–3.0). Non-smoking was associated with overall good knowledge (OR = 4.1; 95%CI:1.2–13.7) and female sex (OR = 0;95%CI:1.5-infinity). Abstinence from alcohol was associated with being a female (OR = 6.9; 95%CI:3.4–13.9), and with mother and fathers’ education level of > General-Certificate of Examinations Ordinary Level (GCE O/L) (OR = 2.9; 95%CI:1.1–8.4 and OR = 3.5; 95%CI:1.1–11.2 respectively).ConclusionKnowledge about NCDs and healthy lifestyle-practices were poor among school students aged 17–19 years. Lack of knowledge about healthy and unhealthy behaviors highlights the importance of carrying out regular surveillance for NCD risk factors, and initiating programs for the prevention of NCDs amongst adolescents.
Highlights
Behaviors established during the adolescence have life-long consequences to the onset of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in later life
The present study aims to determine the level of knowledge about selected NCDs and the level of engagement in healthy behaviours, among school students aged 17–19 years in state schools of the Maharagama Educational Division in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Results of the present study indicate that the overall knowledge (42.9%; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 39.0–46.9%) on NCDs and lifestyle-practices among the study group was poor
Summary
Behaviors established during the adolescence have life-long consequences to the onset of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge about selected NCDs, and lifestyle choices among school students aged 17– 19 years in state schools of the Maharagama Educational Division, Sri Lanka. A general improvement of socio-economic factors within Sri Lanka and the resulting increase in life expectancy, has contributed to an increase in the prevalence of NCDs. [5, 6] This calls for action to prevent the establishment of risk factors from the early years of life; by arming adolescents with adequate knowledge about chronic diseases and healthy preventive practices. Evidence on the current knowledge and lifestyle-related practices of adolescents would immensely help both the health and education sectors with planning and implementation of much needed programs for school children. Educating students at the school level is considered to have a significant impact on the prevention of NCDs. [5, 7]
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