Knowledge of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Exposure to risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) begins early especially during adolescence while morbidity and mortality occurs mainly in adulthood.

To assess the level of knowledge of major NCDs (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes) and risk factors among adolescents in a semi-urban setting.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to collect data. The study targeted students attending mixed secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. An adapted knowledge assessment questionnaire relating to chronic diseases of lifestyle was used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.

A total of 1,281 students participated in the study. The results revealed that most of the participants (62.1%) had low levels of knowledge about NCD risk factors. Very few students in the present study recognized the role of family history and genetic predisposition as potential risk factors of hypertension (18%) and diabetes (24.7%) as well as the normal blood pressure (35.9%) and blood glucose levels (20.5%). Although most of the students identified alcohol and smoking as risk factors for cancer, half (51.6%) of them did not have the knowledge that regular physical activity reduces the risk of getting cancer.

Many of the adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya had low level of knowledge regarding NCDs and their risk factors. The findings of this study highlight the need for a school-based intervention programme to raise awareness of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents.