1.1 Introduction
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions that are not transmitted from person to person and progress slowly over time, often resulting from genetic, environmental or lifestyle-related factors (WHO, 2023). They include chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory disorders, which are now responsible for a large proportion of global morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, recent reports indicate that NCDs account for a growing burden of disease, with lifestyle transitions, urbanization and limited health awareness contributing significantly to rising prevalence rates (Adebayo & Ojo, 2022).
Biology as a secondary school subject provides an essential framework for understanding the human body, disease mechanisms and the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles. The subject introduces learners to scientific concepts that explain how habits such as nutrition, physical activity, substance use and stress influence long-term health. However, studies suggest that although Biology contains health-related content, its potential in promoting awareness of NCDs is not always maximized in classroom teaching due to curriculum limitations, insufficient instructional resources and varying teacher competence (Eze & Nwosu, 2021).
This chapter introduces the research by reviewing the background that informed the study, identifying the issues that led to its formulation, and outlining the aim and objectives. It also explains the study's significance, defines its scope, presents the research questions and hypotheses, addresses the limitations, and clarifies important terms used throughout the work.
1.2 Background of Study
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have increasingly become a major public health concern globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries where health literacy remains uneven. The World Health Organization, according to its 2023 country report, stated that NCDs are responsible for a significant proportion of premature deaths in Nigeria due to lifestyle transitions, poor awareness and inadequate preventive practices. These diseases, which include diabetes, hypertension, cancers and chronic respiratory conditions, progress slowly but exert long-term socioeconomic pressure on individuals, families and the national health system. Adebayo and Ojo (2022) asserted that the incidence of NCDs in Nigeria continues to rise because many citizens lack sufficient knowledge about risk factors such as unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.
Biology as a field of study offers a structured platform for learners to understand the scientific foundations underlying various diseases and their prevention. Eze and Nwosu (2021) reported that Biology education plays a critical role in promoting health awareness among students, especially regarding disease processes and the consequences of harmful lifestyle behaviours. They further contended that when topics related to human health are taught effectively, students develop the capacity to make informed decisions and adopt healthier habits. However, gaps remain in the extent to which Biology lessons explicitly address non-communicable diseases, as many teachers rely on outdated materials or do not integrate real-life health issues into class discussions. This, as Okafor and Ibrahim (2020) affirmed, limits the ability of learners to relate classroom knowledge to everyday health challenges within their communities.
Nestlé Health Science Nigeria contributes to national health promotion efforts by providing science-based nutritional information and interventions aimed at reducing the risk of NCDs. The organization, according to its 2022 corporate publication, stated that it seeks to support individuals and families in achieving better health outcomes through improved dietary choices and awareness campaigns. Their initiatives are designed to complement educational efforts by offering practical guidance on nutrition and wellness.
Aluko (2021) asserted that partnerships between educational institutions and health-focused organizations strengthen students' exposure to accurate health information, which is essential for developing long-term preventive behaviours. On the other hand, researchers such as Musa and Afolabi (2021) reported that collaboration between schools and external health agencies is still insufficient, leaving many students without access to up-to-date knowledge on NCD prevention. This study is set against the backdrop of understanding how Biology is used to promote awareness of non-communicable diseases within the Nigerian context through the efforts of Nestlé Health Science Nigeria.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and chronic respiratory conditions continue to rise across Nigeria, posing a major public health challenge. Although these diseases are strongly linked to preventable lifestyle factors, awareness among the general population remains low, especially among young people who are expected to benefit the most from early health education (WHO, 2023; Adeyemi & Oladele, 2021).
Additionally, organizations such as Nestlé Health Science Nigeria promote nutritional awareness and wellness initiatives, yet classroom-level integration of this information remains weak. The disconnect between public health advocacy efforts and school-based biology instruction creates a situation where students have fragmented or insufficient understanding of how lifestyle choices influence long-term health outcomes.
Furthermore, many students are aware of communicable diseases because they are widely discussed, but their grasp of non-communicable diseases is shallow, leaving them vulnerable to misinformation and unhealthy habits. Teachers also face challenges such as inadequate training on emerging NCD concerns, limited curriculum support, and lack of collaboration with health-focused institutions that provide reliable information. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate how biology education is used to promote awareness of non-communicable diseases.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Biology education in promoting awareness of non-communicable diseases through the support of Nestlé Health Science Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To assess the level of students' knowledge of NCDs in relation to Biology instruction.
- To examine how teachers incorporate NCD awareness into Biology lessons.
- To evaluate the contribution of Nestlé Health Science Nigeria initiatives in enhancing student understanding of NCDs.
- To identify challenges in integrating NCD awareness programs into the school Biology curriculum.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of this study, the following research questions will guide the investigation:
- What is the level of students' knowledge of non-communicable diseases in relation to Biology instruction?
- How do teachers incorporate NCD awareness into Biology lessons?
- How do initiatives by Nestlé Health Science Nigeria contribute to students' understanding of NCDs?
- What challenges exist in integrating NCD awareness programs into the school Biology curriculum?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
Based on the stated objectives, the following hypotheses are formulated:
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the incorporation of NCD awareness into Biology lessons and students' knowledge of non-communicable diseases.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the incorporation of NCD awareness into Biology lessons and students' knowledge of non-communicable diseases.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The incorporation of NCD awareness into Biology lessons does not significantly improve students' knowledge of non-communicable diseases.
- H1: The incorporation of NCD awareness into Biology lessons significantly improves students' knowledge of non-communicable diseases.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: Initiatives by Nestlé Health Science Nigeria do not significantly enhance students' understanding of NCDs.
- H1: Initiatives by Nestlé Health Science Nigeria significantly enhance students' understanding of NCDs.
Hypothesis Four
- H0: Challenges in integrating NCD awareness into Biology lessons do not significantly affect students' acquisition of knowledge about NCDs.
- H1: Challenges in integrating NCD awareness into Biology lessons significantly affect students' acquisition of knowledge about NCDs.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will help teachers develop better strategies for integrating NCD-related content into their lessons. It will also inform policymakers on the need to support school-based health education initiatives.
Furthermore, the study will also help organizations like Nestlé Health Science Nigeria evaluate the impact of their awareness campaigns on students' knowledge and behavior. In addition, this research will benefit students by increasing their awareness of NCD risk factors, preventive measures and healthy lifestyle choices.
Lastly, the study will serve as a guide for improving the effectiveness of health education in schools, ensuring that students acquire knowledge and skills that will positively impact their health and that of the society at large.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on promoting awareness of non-communicable diseases through the teaching of Biology in selected secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria, with particular reference to the involvement of Nestlé Health Science Nigeria initiatives.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The study was conducted within a limited period, which affected the sample size and depth of analysis.
- Financial Constraint: The research was conducted within a tight budget, which restricted the number of organizations that could be included and the level of resources available for extensive data analysis.
- Delay from Respondents: Many participants were slow to respond to surveys and interview requests, resulting in gaps in the data and extended timelines. This delay impacted the ability to gather data from all targeted organizations, which could have provided more diverse insights into the internal control systems in place.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): These are medical conditions that are not transmitted from one person to another and progress slowly over time, often linked to lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors (WHO, 2023).
Biology Education: A branch of science education that involves the study of living organisms, including human health, and is used to teach students about disease prevention and health maintenance (Eze & Nwosu, 2021).
Health Awareness: The level of knowledge and understanding an individual possesses about factors affecting health and disease prevention (Adebayo & Ojo, 2022).
Nestlé Health Science Nigeria: A corporate entity involved in nutritional and wellness initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing the risk of NCDs in Nigeria (Nestlé Health Science Nigeria, 2022).
Curriculum Integration: The process of incorporating relevant topics, such as NCD awareness, into existing educational subjects like Biology to enhance learning outcomes (Okafor & Ibrahim, 2020).
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