Knowledge on non communicable diseases among advanced level school children in the Anuradhapura municipal council area in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: The lifestyles of residents of Anuradhapura, a rural area in Sri Lanka, has changed from active farming based ones to more sedentary ones. Although data is available on non communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban areas of Sri Lanka, data from rural areas are lacking. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge on NCDs among advanced level children schooling in the Anuradhapura Municipal Council area. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among school children (n=106; age16±1years) in Anuradhapura, using a self administered questionnaire. Results: Among the participants, 11% was not aware that NCD cannot spread between people. Almost 90% knew that a sedentary life style is a risk factor for NCDs. A significant percentage (35%) either did not know or had given the incorrect answer regarding the time duration that a person should spend on exercises per day. Nearly one fifth were unaware about the body mass index (BMI), 33% did not know how to measure BMI and 28% either did not know or had given the incorrect answer regarding the normal range of BMI for Sri Lankans.  Of the participants, 38.6% did not know that childhood obesity or malnutrition are risk factors for NCDs and 57% did not know that maternal malnutrition could give rise to NCDs in children. Twenty eight percent were unaware that mental stress is a risk factor for NCDs. More than 30% did not know that early detection of breast and cervical cancers would lead to a better outcome. Conclusions: The present study population had an average knowledge regarding NCDs. However, knowledge on dietary habits, physical activities and alcohol and tobacco use is yet to be improved.