FROM KNOWLEDGE TO ACTION: UNDERSTANDING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
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Abstract
Background:
The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among university students, combined with this critical stage for habit formation, highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of their knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices related to cardiovascular health.
Methodology:
The study was a cross-sectional study, focusing on undergraduate students at the University of Jos, Plateau State, involving a sample size of 386 drawn from a population of 34,234, achieved through simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using an adapted structured questionnaire, entered, cleaned, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.
Chi-square was used to test the hypothesis of the study and the degree of association of the variables. Descriptive statistics was used to generate frequency tables and the research hypotheses were set at a 5% margin of error.
Results:
The mean score of 3.03 (SD = 1.415) related to regular health check-ups signals a need for improvement in preventive practices among these students. The overall results emphasize the critical role of awareness in fostering early adoption of health-promoting behaviours that can significantly mitigate future CVD risk.
Conclusion:
Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework, the study revealed significant insights. First, while students recognize the importance of health check-ups and physical activity, there are notable gaps in their understanding of CVD risk factors and symptoms, indicating a need for enhanced educational initiatives.
Second, students display a generally proactive attitude towards cardiovascular disease prevention and adopting healthier lifestyles; however, their varying levels of concern regarding personal risk may impede their engagement in preventive behaviours. To address these gaps, the study recommends implementing comprehensive preventive strategies, including campus-wide health promotion programs. Establishing wellness centers offering nutrition counseling, fitness classes, smoking cessation support, and stress management workshops could further promote a culture of cardiovascular wellness on campus. Increasing knowledge about cardiovascular health is essential for cultivating healthier behaviors, leading to more active lifestyles and better long-term health outcomes.
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