Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) represent one of the most significant public health challenges of the twenty-first century. Unlike communicable diseases, NCDs are generally chronic, progress slowly, and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.

The four major NCDs include:

• Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Cancer
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for approximately 41 million deaths annually worldwide.

Major behavioral risk factors include:

• Tobacco use
• Harmful alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet

Metabolic risk factors include:

• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Hyperglycemia
• Dyslipidemia

Public awareness plays a crucial role in disease prevention and early intervention. Individuals with adequate knowledge are more likely to adopt healthier lifestyles, participate in screening programs, and seek timely medical care.

Despite numerous public health campaigns, awareness levels vary significantly across populations, socioeconomic groups, and geographic regions.

This study assesses public awareness regarding NCDs and identifies factors associated with knowledge and preventive practices.

NCDs have become a global priority due to their substantial contribution to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure.

The WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs emphasizes public awareness as a key strategy for reducing disease burden.

Previous studies have shown:

• Higher awareness improves preventive behaviors.
• Knowledge influences healthcare-seeking behavior.
• Community education reduces risk factor prevalence.
• Awareness campaigns improve screening participation.

A study by Mensah et al. reported that individuals with adequate NCD awareness were twice as likely to engage in preventive healthcare.

Research from low- and middle-income countries indicates persistent gaps in awareness of hypertension, obesity, and cancer risk factors.

Objectives

Primary Objective

To assess public awareness of non-communicable diseases among adults.

Secondary Objectives

• To evaluate awareness of major NCDs.
• To assess knowledge regarding NCD risk factors.
• To determine preventive health practices.
• To identify factors associated with awareness levels.

To provide recommendations for public health interventions

Study Design

Community-based cross-sectional analytical study.

Study Setting

Urban and rural communities from selected regions.

Study Population

Adults aged 18 years and above.

Sample Size

1,000 participants.

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults aged ≥18 years
• Community residents
• Willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Healthcare professionals
• Incomplete questionnaire responses

Data Collection Instrument
A structured questionnaire consisting of:

Section A
Demographic information.

Section B
Knowledge of NCDs.

Section C
Risk factor awareness.

Section D
Preventive health practices.

Section E
Healthcare utilization patterns

Demographic Characteristics

Table 1: Participant Profile

Awareness of Major NCDs

Table 2: Disease Awareness Levels

Awareness of Risk Factors

Table 3: Recognition of Risk Factors

Knowledge Classification

Table 4: Overall Awareness Level

Preventive Health Practices

Table 5: Preventive Behaviors

Relationship Between Awareness and Preventive Practices

Table 6: Awareness vs Health Behavior

Statistical analysis showed a significant association (p < 0.001).

Sources of Health Information

Table 7: Information Sources

The study revealed that public awareness of NCDs is moderate but remains insufficient in several key areas.

Participants demonstrated better awareness of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes compared to chronic respiratory diseases.

Awareness was positively associated with:

• Educational attainment
• Urban residence
• Healthcare access
• Socioeconomic status

The findings suggest that individuals with greater knowledge are more likely to adopt healthy lifestyle practices.

Smoking was the most recognized risk factor, reflecting the success of tobacco control campaigns. However, awareness of hypertension and physical inactivity remained comparatively lower.

The relationship between awareness and preventive behavior supports previous research demonstrating that knowledge influences health-related decision-making.

Public Health Implications

Improving awareness can contribute to:

• Earlier diagnosis
• Reduced disease incidence
• Better treatment adherence
• Lower healthcare costs
• Improved quality of life

Public awareness campaigns remain essential components of NCD prevention strategies.

Challenges in NCD Awareness

Community-Level Challenges

• Low educational attainment
• Misinformation
• Cultural misconceptions

Healthcare Challenges

• Limited preventive counseling
• Inadequate screening services

Communication Challenges

• Complex medical terminology
• Digital health misinformation

Recommendations

Community Education

• Community awareness campaigns
• School-based health education
• Workplace wellness programs

Healthcare Strategies

• Routine health counseling
• Expanded screening services
• Community health worker engagement

Digital Health Promotion

• Mobile health applications
• Social media campaigns
• Public health websites

Policy Measures

• National NCD awareness programs
• Integration of health literacy initiatives
• Increased investment in preventive healthcare

Limitations

• Cross-sectional design limits causal interpretation.
• Self-reported responses may introduce reporting bias.
• Findings may not be generalizable to all populations.

Longitudinal effects were not evaluated.                                                                                                                         

Public awareness of non-communicable diseases is a critical determinant of disease prevention and health promotion. While awareness of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes is relatively high, substantial gaps remain in understanding risk factors, early symptoms, and preventive strategies. Higher awareness is strongly associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors and greater participation in preventive healthcare services. Strengthening community education, healthcare communication, and public health campaigns can significantly contribute to reducing the burden of NCDs and improving population health outcomes.

Acknowledgments

The authors express sincere gratitude to all study participants, community leaders, and research assistants who contributed to this study.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding

No external funding was received for this study

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