Prevalence and Correlates of Behavioural Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases Among Allied Health Undergraduate...

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are noninfectious diseases mostly marked by complex aetiology with different risk factors. They develop from an interplay between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, which are of great concern to the public as they mostly lead to varied metabolic changes. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases among undergraduate allied health students in Ghana.

This was a cross-sectional study that used a pretested and structured questionnaire to collect data from 228 participants. The data was analysed using SPSS. Logistic regressions and Chi-squared tests were employed to assess the associations between sociodemographic factors and each NCD risk factor. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

About 87.3% of undergraduate allied health students practised unhealthy dietary patterns. Only 45.2% were physically active. Being a Nonresident student was associated with drinking alcohol (OR = 2.5; 95%CI = 1.1-5.9). Male undergraduate students were less likely to be physically inactive (OR = 0.4; 95%CI = 0-0.9) while community nutrition students were less likely to engage in unhealthy diet practices (OR = 0.7; 95%CI = 0.2-1.3). Female proportions among those with one (60.7%, p = 0.02) and two (61.9%, p = 0.01) risk factors were high. A greater portion of the students with unhealthy dietary (81.4%, p = 0.032) and physical inactivity (69.5%, p = 0.010) patterns were 18-24 years old. Most participants with one (61.8%, p = 0.04) and two (69.5%, p < 0.001) behavioural risk factors were all 18-24 years old.

The findings of this study highlight a concerning trend of poor dietary habits and physical activity patterns among undergraduate allied health students. Despite being future healthcare professionals, these students exhibited suboptimal behaviours that can negatively impact their own health and well-being, as well as their ability to provide effective health promotion and education to their future patients. Healthcare educators and administrators should recognize the importance of promoting a healthy campus environment that supports students' physical and mental well-being.