Prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of multiple non-communicable diseases risk behaviours among in-school adolescents in Delta State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

Background: NCDs risk behaviours are modifiable and particularly patterned during adolescence. This study assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of multiple NCDs risk behaviours among in-school adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the simultaneous occurrence of NCD risk behaviours among a random multistage sample of 607 participants. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was carried using the IBM SPSS version 22 software.

Results: The mean age of the study participants was 14.7 (SD = 1.52) years. The prevalence of two and at least three co-occurring NCDs risk behaviours among the study participants 46.1 % (n=280) and 16.6 % (n = 101). Increasing age (AOR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.11 - 3.05), male sex (AOR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.28 - 2.82) and being an urban resident (AOR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.06 - 2.86) were predictors of at least three co-occurring NCDs risk behaviours.

Conclusion: The prevalence of multiple NCDs risk behaviours was relatively high among the study participants. This calls for urgent implementation of interventions at all ecological levels that will equip in-school adolescents with the skills to adopt healthy lifestyles and choices.