Cardiovascular Disease Risks Among Medical Students in A Public University

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health problem, with hazards evident even in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study is to measure the knowledge, attitude and practice of young medical students at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) with regards to CVD, their CVD risk score and its associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 preclinical students from March to July 2019. Validated self-reported questionnaires were used which includes sociodemographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of CVD. A standardized scales were used to measure body mass index (BMI), digital sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure and blood glucose test kit for random blood sugar. CVD risk score was calculated based on a 30-years risk Framingham simple model of calculation using BMI. Univariate analysis and linear regression were used to identify the significant predictors. Results: The mean age was 21 (SD = 1.016) years old. 13.4 % of the students had elevated CVD risk scores. Prevalence central obesity, abnormal random blood glucose and abnormal BMI were 35.2%, 70.4% and 40.5% respectively. The participants scored good marks in KAP (97.6%). The relationship between CVD risk score with increasing age, male gender, smoking, increasing weight, low height, increased BMI and high systolic blood pressure were significant. Conclusion:The major risks of cardiovascular disease are widely distributed among students. Despite being in medical school and having a decent KAP score, there are smokers and students who live a sedentary lifestyle.