AWARENESS AND ATTITUDINAL DISPOSITION TO MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AMONG TERTIARY INSTITUTION EMPLOYEES IN ONDO STATE

This study examined attitudes towards the modifiable risk factors of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among staff of tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the general disposition of academic and non-academic staff towards behaviours such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, poor sleep habits, substance use, and preventive health practices. The study also investigated whether these attitudes differed significantly by gender and staff category. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 1,580 respondents drawn through a multistage sampling procedure from five tertiary institutions. Data were collected using a validated and reliable self-structured questionnaire, the Attitude towards Modifiable Risk Factors Questionnaire (AMRFQ). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the research questions, while t-tests were applied to test hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that although staff generally dismissed common misconceptions that NCDs only affect the wealthy or elderly, a significant proportion expressed unhealthy attitudes such as a preference for fried foods, irregular sleep, and tolerance of occasional smoking and alcohol consumption. No statistically significant differences were found in attitudes based on gender or staff category, indicating that these views were broadly shared across demographic lines. The results underscore the need for comprehensive, targeted health interventions across all staff groups. It is recommended that institutions implement regular health education programmes, promote workplace wellness initiatives, integrate preventive health workshops into staff development, and collaborate with public health professionals to design behaviour change strategies. Addressing these attitudinal gaps is crucial to reducing the long-term risk and burden of NCDs in the tertiary education sector.