S.N. Ghosh and Nilanshi Bhatnagar
H.P. University, Summer Hill, Shimla
NCDs are a huge silent killer accounting for approximately 74% global deaths. A huge young population, of above 1.3 billion, 1 in 4 individual possesses a risk of dying from an NCD before they reach the age of 70. Most of the chronic disease risk factors being unhealthy lifestyle behaviours are acquired during adolescent age groups. In this study we have compared knowledge and attitude of adolescents in private and government schools in Himachal Pradesh towards NCDs using t-test. It also investigates the differential pattern of relationship among variables of knowledge and attitude towards NCDs in terms of nature and magnitude among these students. NCDs Knowledge Measure and NCDs Attitude Measure tests have been used to assess the knowledge and attitudes prevalent among school going adolescents. Results depicted that though private school students displayed a higher knowledge of NCDs than government school students (t=2.57, p<. 05), government school students reported a significant relationship between knowledge and attitude about NCDs (r=. 401, p< .05). This indicates that higher knowledge may not necessarily reason or trigger attitudinal change among the students of private schools, however among government school students, level of knowledge becomes a source of attitudinal change towards NCDs. Combined efforts of parents, teachers and school management may encourage children to seek more and proper knowledge about health and health risk factors. Furthermore, bringing these issues in to the public domain by organizing health talks and discussions can lower the risk of developing NCDs at this young stage. Imparting knowledge and strengthening positive attitudes toward prevention of NCDs among young people would prepare the young adults with a pro-active and positive approach towards NCDs