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

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel F. Sarpong

    (Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities for Research and Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA)

  • India Y. Curry

    (College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, 5721 USA Drive N. Room 3068, Mobile, AL 36688-0002, USA)

  • Melinda Williams

    (School of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 305 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave, Jackson, MS 39213, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel F. Sarpong & India Y. Curry & Melinda Williams, 2017. "Assessment of Knowledge of Critical Cardiovascular Risk Indicators among College Students: Does Stage of Education Matter?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:3:p:250-:d:91887
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