This study examined the practices and self-efficacy related to modifiable risk factors of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among staff of tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed staff engagement in health-related practices, evaluated their self-efficacy levels in managing modifiable risk factors, and investigated the relationship between self-efficacy and healthy practices, including potential gender differences. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, involving 1,580 academic and non-academic staff selected through a multistage sampling technique from five tertiary institutions. Data collection employed a validated and reliable questionnaire titled the NCD Modifiable Risk Factors Questionnaire (NMRFQ). Findings indicated that most staff occasionally engaged in physical activity, consumed fruits and vegetables irregularly, and monitored health parameters such as weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Notably, the prevalence of unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and alcohol use was low. However, only 12% of respondents demonstrated high self-efficacy in managing modifiable risk factors, with nearly half exhibiting low self-efficacy. A significant positive relationship (r = 0.427; p < 0.05) was found between self-efficacy and health practices, indicating that higher self-efficacy correlates with better health practices. Gender, however, did not significantly influence these practices (p = 0.971). The study concluded that low levels of self-efficacy are a barrier to optimal health practices and recommended targeted interventions to improve staff confidence in managing NCD risk factors.
Keywords: Health Practices, Self-Efficacy, modifiable risk factors, non-communicable diseases, tertiary institutions
