Assessment of Knowledge of Critical Cardiovascular Risk Indicators among College Students: Does Stage of Education Matter?

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Mar 2;14(3):250. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14030250.

Abstract

The health risk of college students in the United States (US) is on the rise, with a significant increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US, costing approximately $475.3 billion yearly. The goals of this "Know Your Numbers" study were to: (1) estimate the awareness of college students of their critical health numbers (CHN); and (2) compare a college of pharmacy entry class (IP1) with second semester non-commuter freshman college students (FCS) in knowing their numbers. A cross-sectional 15-item pre-test survey was conducted among a convenience sample of IP1 and FCS. All statistical tests were performed at α = 0.05. Awareness of their: cholesterol (7%), blood pressure (BP) (35%), glucose (8%), and body mass index (BMI) (42%) were low. The IP1, compared to FCS, were more knowledgeable of: (1) their BP (46% vs. 28%, p = 0.01); (2) BP normal range (74% vs. 63%, p = 0.02); and (3) BMI normal range (39% vs. 23%, p = 0.04). The IP1s maintained a healthier diet than the FCS (64% vs. 36%, p < 0.0001). Awareness of knowing CHN was very low. Knowledge of one's CHN was significantly associated with knowledge of normal reference values for BP, glucose, and BMI.

Keywords: Know Your Numbers; cardiovascular disease; college students; prevention; young adults.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers*
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiovascular Diseases*
  • Cholesterol
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Louisiana
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States
  • Universities
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cholesterol