Cardiovascular Disease Risk Awareness and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among University Students: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Özet (Abstract)

Objective: This study aimed to determine the knowledge level of university students regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, their healthy lifestyle behaviors (HLSB), and the relationship between these variables. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 907 volunteer students from the Faculties of Health Sciences and Nursing at a university in the Aegean Region of Türkiye. Data were collected using the Student Information Form, the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level Scale (CARRF-KL), and the Health Lifestyle Behaviour II (HLSB-II) Scale. Descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric tests, and correlation analysis were performed. Results: Of the participants, 84% were female, and 39.1% were nursing students. Among the students, 23.4% smoked, 30.4% consumed alcohol, and 78.1% did not exercise regularly. The mean CARRF-KL score was 20.64±2.96, indicating a moderate-to-high level of knowledge. The mean HLSB-II score was 112.03±23.52, suggesting a moderate level of HLSB. The highest subscale scores were in interpersonal relations and spiritual growth, while the lowest were in physical activity and stress management. A weak positive correlation was found between CARRF-KL and HLSB-II scores (r=0.080; p=0.015). Conclusions: Although university students had a certain level of knowledge about CVD risk factors, this knowledge was not fully reflected in their health behaviors. To bridge this gap between knowledge and behavior, educational programs focusing on physical activity, healthy nutrition, and stress management should be developed for university students.