Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prevalent health issue, accounting for a large proportion of deaths worldwide. Despite the high prevalence of this potentially detrimental condition, many college students are not fully aware of its contributing risk factors. The purpose of the current study was to determine college students’ knowledge of risk factors related to CVD. Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study with a descriptive design. A survey with 5 demographic questions and 20 Likert-type statements was administered to 118 students in a Midwestern college in the United States. Results: The majority of the students displayed knowledge of risk factors such as smoking tobacco, inactive lifestyle, hypertension, low intake of fruits and vegetables, elevated cholesterol levels, high dietary sodium and obesity. However, a knowledge deficit existed regarding gender and ethnicity, which are non-modifiable risk factors, albeit important considerations.Conclusions: Although students appeared knowledgeable about areas such as cholesterol in cardiovascular health, further education could be beneficial to improve this knowledge base.
Highlights
Despite the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), knowledge of its risk factors and corresponding preventative interventions may be inadequate in a given population
One out of every seven deaths in the United States currently can be attributed to Cardiovascular disease (CVD), with more than 2,150 Americans dying of CVD every day
The analysis provided information about the influence that risk factors such as ethnicity/race and gender exerted on the development of CVD
Summary
Despite the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), knowledge of its risk factors and corresponding preventative interventions may be inadequate in a given population. Prevention may begin with alterations to modifiable factors to reduce the risk of development, especially if one has a significant risk because of non-modifiable factors Understanding this at any age is important for optimal cardiovascular health. The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ knowledge of risk factors related to CVD. The purpose of the current study was to determine college students’ knowledge of risk factors related to CVD. Cardiovascular disease is a rapidly growing problem in the United States, serving as the “leading global cause of death, accounting for 17.3 million deaths per year” One out of every seven deaths in the United States currently can be attributed to CVD, with more than 2,150 Americans dying of CVD every day This accounts for an average of 1 death every 40 seconds This accounts for an average of 1 death every 40 seconds (p. 1)
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