Abstract
Background: Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet patterns increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Estimating the magnitude of behavioural risk factors is vital for planners and policy makers to formulate appropriate and locally suitable interventions. The objective of this study was to estimate the magnitude and pattern of behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among college students (medical, dental, pharmacy, engineering and arts and science colleges) in Mysuru.Methods:A cross sectional study was carried out among students of medical, dental, pharmacy, engineering and arts and science colleges in Mysuru using snow-balling technique. Based on CDC-BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Questionnaire developed by Metagenics, New Zealand, a self-administered questionnaire was developed according to the local cultural and food practices , which was used to collect information on dietary pattern, exercise pattern, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22) and P value of <0.05 was considered as significant.Results: In the study, 45.8% of 970 study participants lead a sedentary lifestyle and 13.1% exercise in the gym regularly. Majority of students from Arts and Science College lead a sedentary lifestyle. Dietary pattern assessment revealed that 71% of the students consumed fried food frequently (highest among medical students - 82.4%). Medical and dental students also consumed the maximum amount of sweets i.e. 60.9% and 67.1% respectively. Non-vegetarian food was frequently consumed by 30% of medical and dental students.47% of the current smokers were MBBS students. 37.8% of the students who consumed alcohol admitted to binge drinking.Conclusions:Unhealthy behavioural risk factors for CVDs are higher among medical students, despite the fact that they know most about the detrimental effects of these practices. Developing strategies targeting these behavioural risk factors to improve the health status of college students play a crucial role in protecting the youth from cardiovascular diseases in future.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
