Knowledge of Non-Communicable Diseases and Their Associated Modifiable Risk Factors Among the Adult Rural People at Burichang, Cumilla, Bangladesh

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are known as chronic diseases which are rising day by day. The results, disability and early mortality, are turning out to be the major issues for global health. Exposure to NCDs risk factors has an impact on all aspects of life, making it essential for health promotion that individuals need to be aware of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. The objectives of the study to assess the knowledge of non-communicable diseases and their associated modifiable risk factors among the adult rural people at Burichang Upazila, Cumilla, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2023. A total of 309 adult people were selected by non-probability purposive sampling at Monipur village of Burichang Upazila under Cumilla Districtwith ethical clearance from respective IERB. Data was collected by face-to-face interview with a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist. Data were analyzed according to the study objective through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Informed written consent was taken before data collection and ethical issues were maintained at different stages of this study. Results: Out of all participants, 184 (59.5%) were female and 125 (40.5%) were male, the mean (±SD) age of the participants was 38.81±14.369 years and the highest frequency 38.5% was in the 18-30 years group. Among all the participants 245 (79.3%) were married and 89 (28.8%) completed their primary education. In our study, among all the participants, 171(55.3%) had average knowledge, 99 (32.0%) had good knowledge and 39 (12.6%) had poor knowledge about non-communicable diseases. The study findings also showed that the level of knowledge about modifiable risk factors of non-communicable diseases, 170 (55.0%) had average knowledge, 111 (35.9%) had good knowledge, and 28 (9.1%) had poor knowledge. Conclusion: It can be concluded from our study that knowledge regarding non-communicable diseases and their modifiable risk factors was not satisfactory. The results of this study demonstrated the necessity of health education and interventions to raise knowledge about non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. Eastern Med Coll J. July 2024; 9 (2): 56-61