Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors’ Awareness and Prevalence among College Students in Karachi City

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the health beliefs and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among the college students of Karachi city. Methods: A survey among students of the United Medical and Dental College and non-medical students was performed from the period of October 2019 to January 2020. A validated questionnaire was used to identify the health beliefs of the subjects, related to CVD and its determinants, along with a brief medical history to determine the prevalence of risk factors. The data was analysed by using SPSS version 23. Results: Among total subjects of 140, 53 (37.8%) males and 87 (62.1%) females participated in the study. The analysis presented an adequate knowledge of CVD and its determinants among 133 (95%) of the respondents. 112 (80%) of the participants demonstrated a significantly positive attitude and supported the primary prevention of CVD. However, the practices were found optimum in 80 (60%) of the respondents only, the rest were not up to the mark. It was identified that 69% of the respondents had at least one of the risk factors leading to CVD, which is a significant proportion. Conclusion: The majority of the participants of this study were aware of the CVD and its determinants, however, the practices observed for the primary prevention of CVDs were not up to the standard. Risk factors were significantly pervasive among the participants. The findings of this survey support the need for modification of lifestyle to promote primary prevention of CVD from an early age.