PREVALENCE AND AWARENESS REGARDING RISK FACTORS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AMONG COLLEGE GOING STUDENTS OF A SELECTED COLLEGE, MANIPUR

Abstract

Cardiovascular Diseases are the number one cause of death globally. Risk factors associated with
cardiovascular diseases in young adults is often underestimated despite the high prevalence. A
descriptive survey study was conducted among the students of a selected College, Manipur, with
the objectives of assessing the prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, determining
the awareness regarding risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and finding the association
between awareness regarding risk factors of cardiovascular diseases with selected sociodemographic variables. 100 subjects were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data
regarding socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. To
assess the prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, data were collected using a
structured questionnaire and the tool was prepared on the basis of WHO STEPS instrument and
healthy heart questionnaire. After assessing the prevalence of risk factors, awareness level
regarding risk factors was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Validity and reliability of
the tool was established before final data collection. The findings of the study revealed that the
most common risk factors present among the students were inadequate intake of fruits (68%),
exposure to passive smoking (64%) and inadequate physical activity (60%). Majority of the
students (74.23%) have 3 or more risk factors. Most of the students (72%) have an average level
of awareness regarding risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The study findings show high
prevalence of risk factors among the students. This shows the need of awareness and motivation
to adopt healthy lifestyle especially in younger population group.