Abstract
BackgroundIn 2016, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were reported to be responsible for 41 million of the world’s 57 million deaths. These deaths were reported to be associated with modifiable lifestyle behaviours, such as tobacco smoking, poor physical activity and diets of poor nutritional value. There could be a knowledge gap on NCD risk factors amongst non-health professionals. Knowledge of NCDs is, therefore, important for the implementation of preventive measures to onset of NCDs.AimThis study aimed at describing perceptions and knowledge of school management teams about NCDs and strategies to prevent them.SettingThis study was conducted in Mt Frere, South Africa.MethodsThis explorative qualitative study using a phenomenological data collection approach was conducted amongst purposively selected school authorities in 2016–2017 to understand their perceptions and knowledge about NCDs and what can be performed to prevent them. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted using open-ended and unstructured questions guided by interview schedule. Tesch’s eight phases of thematic analysis approach was used to analyse narrative data resulting in two main themes and nine subthemes.ResultsTwo themes (understanding and prevention of NCDs, and control measures for NCDs) and nine sub-themes emerged from the data analysis. Inconsistent description of NCDs, its causes and controls were identified amongst school management teams in the FGD. Diet, poverty, societal factors, gaps between decision makers and communities, and poor policy implementation were identified by participants as major issues in the development of NCDs.ConclusionThere was no adequate knowledge on NCDs amongst the school management team participants. Improved visibility of health promotion personnel is needed to ensure community empowerment on NCDs prevention.ContributionThe findings in this study will help in closing the gaps in the implementation of preventive health services for NCDs within school health.
Highlights
The prevalence of diseases associated with the heart, type 2 diabetes mellitus, some cancers and long-term infections of the respiratory system was reported as the primary cause of death globally in the past few decades (Habib & Saha 2010; Horton 2013; Nojilana et al 2016, Solomons, Kruger & Puoane, 2017; Yuyun et al 2020)
This study identified that knowledge of diabetes did not translate into understanding the consequences of its development as a noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)
Subtheme 1.1: Death When participants in the focus group discussions (FGDs) were asked what they understood about NCDs, one participant said: ‘We know them that they kill a person and kill the communities.’ (Participant 1, FGD 2, parent)
Summary
The prevalence of diseases associated with the heart, type 2 diabetes mellitus, some cancers and long-term infections of the respiratory system was reported as the primary cause of death globally in the past few decades (Habib & Saha 2010; Horton 2013; Nojilana et al 2016, Solomons, Kruger & Puoane, 2017; Yuyun et al 2020). In 2016 alone, NCDs were reported by the WHO as being responsible for 71% (41 million) of the world’s 57 million deaths (WHO 2018b) This clearly shows an increasing trajectory of 5% between 2010 and 2014, and an additional 3% between 2014 and 2016 of all deaths associated with NCDs (WHO 2014, 2018a, 2018b). In 2016, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were reported to be responsible for 41 million of the world’s 57 million deaths. These deaths were reported to be associated with modifiable lifestyle behaviours, such as tobacco smoking, poor physical activity and diets of poor nutritional value. Knowledge of NCDs is, important for the implementation of preventive measures to onset of NCDs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
