Cardiovascular Insight: A study on Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among University Students

Abstract

Understanding the interplay between knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among university students is crucial for shaping healthcare-seeking behaviors and preventive measures. Understanding the university students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of cardiovascular disease was the aim of the present study. The study was conducted in Pakistan. This study adopted a cross-sectional approach and utilized a convenient sampling technique. The sample size was 196 with a mean age of 21. For the measurement of knowledge, attitude, and practice behavior, a developed questionnaire CVD-KAP29 was used. The mean and standard deviation for the scores in knowledge, attitude, physical activity behavior, as well as nutrition and smoking behaviour, were 30.04±4.95, 39.15±8.30, 1.92±1.14, and 5.37±1.77, respectively. A strong positive correlation emerged between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.756, P < 0.001). Conversely, no significant relationship was found between knowledge and practice scores, nor between attitude and practice scores. Notably, a significant correlation was identified between physical activity behaviour and dietary habits as well as smoking behaviour (r = 0.448, p < 0.001). The participants in the study exhibited commendable knowledge and positive attitudes toward cardiovascular disease; however, their practical behaviours demonstrated deficiencies, notably in areas such as inadequate dietary habits, lack of physical activity, utilization of vegetable or other oils in cooking, as well as regular consumption of tobacco products such as cigarettes and hookah. Additionally, while women exhibited higher scores in knowledge and attitude compared to men, no disparities were observed in their practice scores. Even though a majority of the participants in the present study exhibited an advanced level of understanding and positive attitudes toward CVD, their behaviors did not align satisfactorily. Consequently, there exists a crucial need to implement enhanced educational interventions focusing on fostering favorable health behaviors. It is important to communicate to young adults the interconnectedness between knowledge and proactive measures in reducing risk factors, subsequently leading to decreased incidences of CVD and mortality.