1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for approximately 71% of all global deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021). While NCDs were traditionally considered diseases of older adults, recent evidence indicates a rising trend in their prevalence among younger populations, particularly youth aged 15 to 24 years (United Nations, 2019). The increasing incidence of Non-communicable diseases among youth is primarily linked to lifestyle and behavioral risk factors, including physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, tobacco smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption (Patel et al., 2020). Urbanization and modernization have further exacerbated these risk factors by promoting sedentary lifestyles and easy access to processed and fast foods (Nguyen & Le, 2022).
The effects of NCDs on youth extend beyond physical health, impacting mental health, social interactions, and economic productivity. Chronic illness during youth can interfere with academic performance and career opportunities, leading to long-term socio-economic disadvantages (WHO, 2021). It is indisputable true that man has almost complete dominion over all things on earth, yet he has remained subjected to physical, biological and social environmental problems which he created. Non-communicable diseases (NCDS), also known as chronic diseases are not contagious or transferable from one person to person. But it is contacted individually; they are four main types of non-communicable diseases that occur among the youths which are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attack and stroke), cancers, and chronic reparatory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary diseases and asthma) and diabetes, and others include hypertension, trauma, mental disorder, fractures, malnutrition, poisoning, fibromyalgia etc which in effect leads to damage of vital cells and tissues which may even leads to death. Non-communicable diseases have many different causes but they are never caused by bacterial, germs or other living organisms that attack the body, they are never spread from one person to person (WHO, 2002 and 2010).
In the year 2010, there was an estimated number of 80 million deaths globally, of which 90% was due to non-communicable diseases, 1.7 millions deaths was as a result from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) especially coronary heart diseases (CHD), and stroke, 7.6 million from cancer, 42 million from chronic respiratory diseases, and almost 1.3 million from diabetes (WHO Global Status Report on Non-Communicable Diseases, 2010:411). Mental health problems are leading contributions to the burden of disease in many countries and contributes substantially to the incidence and severity of many non-communicable diseases including VUD and cancer.
Non-communicable diseases contribute substantially to youth (adult) mortality. It adds to health inequalities within Benin City, mainly affecting population largely because of inequalities in the distribution of major risk factor (Mackenbach, 2004). This topic will enhance the youths in Benin City on how to prevent and control the causes of non-communicable diseases among them. Especially through the making in of tobacco and alcohol which damages the respiratory system and heart against the pumping of oxygenated blood for the use of the body.
1.2 Statement of Problems
The problem associated with non-communicable diseases among youths in Benin City varies from one person to another. Health problem are associated with poverty, poor diet, and lack of essential resources among these are inadequate clean water, shelter, food, educational orientation and clean air. In addition, many developing countries and poor population are facing health problems. This is true of diseases especially non-communicable diseases. Globalization is an important determinant of non-communicable diseases epidemics since it has direct effects on national economic and health system (Moffow, R. H., 2002).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the causes and effects of non-communicable diseases among youth. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To identify the major causes and risk factors contributing to the development of non-communicable diseases among youth.
- To assess the effects of non-communicable diseases on the health and daily lives of young individuals.
- To evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge of youth regarding non-communicable diseases and their prevention.
- To explore the social and psychological consequences experienced by youth living with non-communicable diseases.
- To recommend strategies for prevention and management of non-communicable diseases targeted at the youth population.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does environmental factors increase the incidence of non-communicable disease among youths?
- Does the knowledge of health education help to prevent and control non-communicable diseases among youths?
- Does the educational qualification of parents enhances the reduction of the incidence of non-communicable diseases among youths?
- Do non-communicable diseases increases as a result of life style like intake of tobacco?
- Does poverty of parents and lack of essential resources in the community increase the incidence?
- Does parental gene increase the incidence of non-communicable diseases among youths?
- What are the major causes and risk factors contributing to the development of non-communicable diseases among youth?
- How do non-communicable diseases affect the physical health and daily lives of young individuals?
- What is the level of awareness and knowledge among youth regarding non-communicable diseases and their prevention?
- What social and psychological challenges do youth living with non-communicable diseases face?
- What strategies can be recommended to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases among the youth population?
1.5 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will be beneficial to youths, students, parents, school administrators, health institutions and other concerned individuals. It will help to educate youths and create awareness about non-communicable diseases, the causes and effects and possible prevention and controls. It will enlighten the government and the ministry of education and the health sectors the need for seminars and training on non-communicable diseases.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on investigating the causes and effects of non-communicable diseases among youth aged 15 to 35 years in Lagos State, Nigeria. The research will cover both urban and semi-urban areas within the state to capture a diverse range of lifestyle and environmental factors influencing the development of these diseases.
The investigation is restricted to the following areas and quarters in Benin City.
- Ogbe Street
- Ebiwe Street
- Marine Street
- Obazee Street
- Plymount Street
- Uzama Street
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
These are medical conditions or diseases that are not transmitted from person to person. Instead, they develop over time due to a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Common examples include diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). NCDs are often long-lasting and require ongoing medical attention.
Causes:
Causes are the factors or conditions that lead to the development of non-communicable diseases among youth. These may include unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as environmental and genetic factors (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020).
Youth:
This term generally refers to young people aged between 15 and 35 years. This group is critical to society as they represent the future workforce and leaders (United Nations, 2019).
Effects:
Effects refer to the consequences or outcomes that result from non-communicable diseases. For youth, these effects may include physical health complications, psychological stress, reduced social participation, and lowered quality of life (Murray et al., 2020).
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