Browsing by Author "Gbemisola Taiwo OLAPO"

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    Knowledge and Perception of In-School Adolescents on the Role of Adequate Diet in Non- Communicable Diseases Prevention and Management in Ogun State, Nigeria
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2024-12) Gbemisola Taiwo OLAPO
    Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a significant public health challenge, particularly among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Consuming unhealthy food is a significant and modifiable behavioral risk factor for the development of NCDs later in life. To address the global NCD pandemic, which is responsible for 74% of deaths globally and 29% of deaths in Nigeria, nutrition literacy and healthy eating habits, particularly among adolescents and younger age groups must be encouraged. This cross sectional study assessed the knowledge and perception of in-school adolescents (N=480) aged 10-19 years in Ogun State, Nigeria regarding the role of adequate diet in NCDs prevention and management. Using a 23-item assessment scale, 302(63%) respondents demonstrated good knowledge of NCDs (scores ≥70%), 129(27.4%) showed fair knowledge (50-70%), and 46(9.6%) showed poor knowledge (50%). On a 7-item scale assessing knowledge of diet's role in NCD prevention, 273.6(57%) demonstrated good knowledge (scores ≥70%), 52.8(11%) showed fair knowledge (scores 50-70%), and 153.6(32%) showed poor knowledge (scores <50%). Regarding perceptions, 36% of respondents had a positive perception of the importance of diet in NCD prevention and management, while 64% had a negative perception. Correlation analyses revealed weak but significant positive associations between respondents' age (r=0.045, p=0.004), gender (r=0.016, p=0.029), and residential location (r=0.025, p=0.003) with more positive perceptions. Anthropometric measurements showed that 60.8% of respondents had normal weight, 23.3% were underweight, and 15.9% were overweight and obese. Despite generally demonstrating good knowledge of major NCDs and their dietary link, 43.1% believed NCDs were caused by supernatural powers, 72.1% perceived traditional cultural foods as generally healthy, and 65% viewed consuming a balanced diet as inconvenient and expensive. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive nutrition education programs to address knowledge gaps, dispel misconceptions, and promote healthier dietary habits among Nigerian adolescents. Keywords: Knowledge, Perception, In-School Adolescents, Adequate Diet, Non- Communicable Diseases. Word Count: 295