htps://www.hsag.co.za Open Access Health SA Gesondheid ISSN: (Online) 2071-9736, (Print) 1025-9848 Page 1 of 10 Original Research Read online: Scan this QR code with your smart phone or mobile device to read online. Authors: Sibusiso C. Nomatshila 1 Teke R. Apalata 2 Sikhumbuzo A. Mabunda 3 Afliatons: 1 Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa 2 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa 3 The George Insttute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Corresponding author: Sibusiso Nomatshila, sibusiso.nomatshila@gmail. com Dates: Received: 19 Aug. 2021 Accepted: 09 Dec. 2021 Published: 11 Feb. 2022 How to cite this artcle: Nomatshila, S.C., Apalata, T.R. & Mabunda, S.A., 2022, ‘Perceptons and knowledge of school management teams about non-communicable diseases and strategies to prevent them’, Health SA Gesondheid 27(0), a1781. htps://doi.org/10.4102/ hsag.v27i0.1781 Copyright: ©2022. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creatve Commons Atributon License. Introducton The prevalence of diseases associated with the heart, type 2 diabetes mellitus, some cancers and long-term infections of the respiratory system was reported as the primary cause of death globally in the past few decades (Habib & Saha 2010; Horton 2013; Nojilana et al. 2016, Solomons, Kruger & Puoane, 2017; Yuyun et al. 2020). In the developed countries, it is reported that non- communicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), were responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality, resulting in 90% of all deaths (Yuyun et al. 2020). According to the literature in 2010, NCDs were responsible for more than 63% of deaths globally (Alwan 2011; Terzic & Waldman 2011; Wagner & Brath, 2012). NCDs were responsible for 68% (38 million) of all global deaths registered in 2014 (World Health Organization [WHO] 2018a). In 2016 alone, NCDs were reported by the WHO as being responsible for 71% (41 million) of the world’s 57 million deaths (WHO 2018b). This clearly shows an increasing trajectory of 5% between 2010 and 2014, and an additional 3% between 2014 and 2016 of all deaths associated with NCDs (WHO 2014, 2018a, 2018b). Deaths attributed to NCDs are projected to increase to 75% of all deaths by 2030 (Wang & Wang 2020). Although for the past few decades, NCDs had Background: In 2016, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were reported to be responsible for 41 million of the world’s 57 million deaths. These deaths were reported to be associated with modifiable lifestyle behaviours, such as tobacco smoking, poor physical activity and diets of poor nutritional value. There could be a knowledge gap on NCD risk factors amongst non- health professionals. Knowledge of NCDs is, therefore, important for the implementation of preventive measures to onset of NCDs. Aim: This study aimed at describing perceptions and knowledge of school management teams about NCDs and strategies to prevent them. Setting: This study was conducted in Mt Frere, South Africa. Methods: This explorative qualitative study using a phenomenological data collection approach was conducted amongst purposively selected school authorities in 2016–2017 to understand their perceptions and knowledge about NCDs and what can be performed to prevent them. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted using open-ended and unstructured questions guided by interview schedule. Tesch’s eight phases of thematic analysis approach was used to analyse narrative data resulting in two main themes and nine subthemes. Results: Two themes (understanding and prevention of NCDs, and control measures for NCDs) and nine sub-themes emerged from the data analysis. Inconsistent description of NCDs, its causes and controls were identified amongst school management teams in the FGD. Diet, poverty, societal factors, gaps between decision makers and communities, and poor policy implementation were identified by participants as major issues in the development of NCDs. Conclusion: There was no adequate knowledge on NCDs amongst the school management team participants. Improved visibility of health promotion personnel is needed to ensure community empowerment on NCDs prevention. Contribution: The findings in this study will help in closing the gaps in the implementation of preventive health services for NCDs within school health. Keywords: management; non-communicable diseases; prevention; policy; schools. Perceptons and knowledge of school management teams about non-communicable diseases and strategies to prevent them Read online: Scan this QR code with your smart phone or mobile device to read online.