The Kilkenny Post-Primary Schools Survey--a survey of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour relevant to non-communicable diseases.

This survey was carried out in the Spring of 1987 on a stratified random sample of 445 post-primary schoolpupils in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour relevant to non-communicable diseases were examined using a questionnaire developed from a World Health Organization core questionnaire. The results showed that levels of adolescent alcohol and tobacco use were similar to those found in neighbouring European countries. Smoking and drinking increased during adolescence and were more prevalent in males. Physical activity decreased throughout adolescence and a high intake of "snack foods" was found. Health-related knowledge levels were high but were not related to behaviour.