Why The Knowledge of Indian School-Going Adolescents Regarding NCDs is Not Transforming into Lifestyle Changes?

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of research to demonstrate the quantification of adolescents' risk behavior toward Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in India. This study aims to explain the knowledge of school-aged adolescents about NCD and whether their knowledge is truly translating into lifestyle changes and if not, what are the potential underlying factors responsible for that.

Methodology: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents in Jodhpur district, India, in grades 6 to 12. The data was gathered via a semi-structured questionnaire. The participant's weight and height were assessed using a digital weighing machine and a stadiometer, respectively. SPSS v.23 was used to analyze the data. Univariate (chi-square) and multivariate (logistic regression) analysis were used to quantify knowledge and risk factors, and inferences were derived.

Results: A total of 1010 students participated in the study. The mean scores of knowledge and risk behavior were 32.82±6.43 (out of 40) and 9.23+2.63 (out of 30), respectively. Adolescent risk behavior and knowledge were not found to be significantly related. Physical activity, spending fewer hours sitting, not skipping breakfast, and habit of fruit and vegetable consumption were significant factors for a healthy lifestyle among them.

Conclusion: Due to differences in underlying predictors, adolescents' understanding of NCDs did not translate into healthy lifestyle modifications. These findings highlight the importance of developing tailored interventions for adolescents that target identified risk domains.

Keywords: Adolescents; Knowledge; Lifestyle; NCDs; Risk factors.