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

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.