Health behaviors index for cardiovascular disease prevention among young Brazilian college students

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate behaviors related to cardiovascular disease among young Brazilian college students. Ideal health behaviors index, proposed by American Heart Association, includes (1) body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2; (2) not current smoker; (3) physical activity at goal (150 min/wk moderate or 75 min/wk vigorous or combination); (4) 4–5 diet goals met (recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables, fish, sodium, sweets/sugar‐sweetened beverages and whole grains). Weight, height and blood pressure (after 10 minutes of rest) were measured. Subjects answered a food questionnaire and the short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire under supervision. Healthy young college students (n=260; 195 female; 19±2 years‐old; 60.7±12.0 kg; systolic blood pressure: 111±11 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure: 71±10 mmHg) were evaluated. Ideal BMI (<25 kg/m2) was found in 81.5% of volunteers; 14.6% were classified as overweight and 3.8% obese. Only four volunteers were smokers. Physical activity goal was achieved by 25.8%. Diet results showed that only 2.3% achieved the five goals. Less adherence was found for fish consumption (at least twice/week) and sweets (≤450 kcal/week); p<0.05. When considering the ideal health behavior, i.e. reaching the four components goals, only 3.5% students achieved. Behaviors related to risk of cardiovascular disease begin in early life. Continuous evaluation is critical to increase the prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health in middle aged and older adults.Supported by Finatec and DPP/UnB.