Abstract

The study determined knowledge of risk factors for lifestyle induced chronic diseases among secondary school students in Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers State. The sample for the study consisted of 480 secondary school students. The sample was drawn using multistage sampling procedures. The instrument for data collection was a researcher-designed structured questionnaire. Three experts validated the instrument. Reliability of the instrument was established using Split-half method and Spearman-Brown Correction Formula. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.60. Data analysis was performed using frequency and percentages while inferential statistics of Chi-square (²) was employed to test the null hypotheses. Results showed that students had average knowledge (57.8%) of risk factors for lifestyle induced chronic diseases. Recommendations such as implementation of vigorous awareness campaign through health education on health risks of lifestyle induced diseases in schools, integration of nutrition education into the curricula of subjects such as Health Education, Home Economics, Biology and Health Science will help educate students on risk factors for lifestyle induced chronic diseases were made. In addition, interventions directed at reducing or modifying unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, substance abuse/misuse and sedentary behaviours should be designed and effectively implemented at schools.

Key words: Physical activity, risk factors, adolescents, unhealthy lifestyles, chronic diseases.