A Cross-Sectional Survey to Assess the Risk Factors of Cardio Vascular Disease among College Students

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of deaths globally which claim an
estimated 17.9 million lives each year. It is a major cause of disability and premature death throughout the world and contributes substantially to the escalating costs of health care. Modification of risk factors has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in people with diagnosed or undiagnosed cardiovascular diseases. Prior assessment is found to be helpful in predictions of absolute cardiovascular risks among young adults.
Objectives: To assess the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among college students.
Methods: Descriptive survey was conducted among 207 college students at Najath College of Science and
Technology, Karuvarakundu, Kerala from 10/10/2019 to 18/10/2019.Convenient sampling method was used to select the samples. Structured risk factor assessment Performa and Biophysical measurements were used as tool.
Result: The study identified 40.57% students as in moderate risk and 5.31% were in high risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. The study reported that 6.2% of students were overweight whereas 45% had elevated blood pressure. It was found that 64.25%of the students had family history of chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and obesity. The 8.21% students were smokers out of these, 17.39% were using smokeless tobacco whereas 31.88% were exposed to passive smoking and 12.56% students were drinkers. In terms of physical activity, 62.31% of the students were sedentary. The food habits of 98.56% students were non -vegetarian and 46.85% of them were consuming red meat.
Conclusion: Periodic assessment and comprehensive health awareness would be helpful to modify unhealthy habits and minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems among the college students.