Knowledge and Awareness of Noncommunicable Diseases and Influential Lifestyle Factors Among Physiotherapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent a leading global health challenge, with modifiable lifestyle factors contributing substantially to their occurrence. Physiotherapists play a major role in supporting prevention and health promotion within the healthcare system, in addition to rehabilitation. Assessing physiotherapy students’ awareness, knowledge, and associated lifestyle factors is essential to prepare them for evolving public health roles. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 286 students from multiple colleges. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from previous literature and shared through Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize awareness and knowledge levels. The chi-square test evaluated the association between knowledge levels and year of study, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results Among 286 participants, 201 students (70.28%) were familiar with NCDs, while only 46 students (16.08%) had attended workshops. Most students relied on social media (n = 146, 51.05%) and faculty (n = 110, 38.46%) for information. About 86 students (30.07%) were aware of the WHO Global Action Plan. Overall, 230 students (80.4%) had moderate knowledge, 52 students (18.2%) had poor knowledge, and four students (1.4%) had good knowledge. Awareness of modifiable risk factors was high, with 265 students (92.66%) identifying the role of physical activity in prevention. Knowledge levels significantly improved with each academic year. Conclusions Physiotherapy students exhibited moderate overall knowledge of NCDs and associated lifestyle risk factors, with higher academic years showing improved awareness. Despite a strong understanding of lifestyle prevention, formal exposure to NCD-related training, workshops, and global initiatives remains limited. Integration of structured learning on NCD prevention and health promotion into the physiotherapy curriculum is recommended to strengthen students’ preparedness for public health responsibilities.