Background: The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is emerging as a major public health challenge for developing countries. According to WHO report, NCDs, especially cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer (Ca), and diabetes mellitus (DM) account for 53% of all deaths in India. As highlighted in the WHO report 2002, just a few NCD risk factors account for the majority of NCD burden
Objectives: (1) To assess the awareness regarding the NCDs and their risk factors among high school students. (2) To compare the awareness about NCDs and their risk factors among students of government and private high school.
Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study from July 1 to August 31, 2010 (2 months). Total 524 students of 8th, 9th, and 10th standard (226 students from government high school and 298 students from private high school) Pre-structured and pre- tested Questionnaire was used to collect data regarding awareness about common NCDs (DM, CVD, and Ca) and their risk factors among high school students.
Results: Total students interviewed were 524. From government school there were 226 (43.1%) students and from private school 298 (56.9%) Out of 406 school children who were aware about DM, 290 were from private school and 116 were from government school. Out of 478 school children who were aware about CVD, 294 were from private school and 184 from government school. Out of 438 school children who were aware about Ca, 282 were from private school and 156 were from government school. Awareness about DM, CVD, and Ca was low among government school children than private school children, which was statically significant. Awareness about risk factors of NCDs was poor in government school children than private school children.
Conclusion: Awareness about NCDs and their risk factors was very low in high school students. As compared to private high school students, government students were having poor knowledge about NCDs and their risk factors.
Key words: Non-communicable diseases, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, high school children
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