Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases among University Students in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) rank as the leading global cause of mortality, with a growing burden in low- and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. Healthy lifestyle behaviors (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, stress and smoking) prevalent among university students make them more vulnerable to NCDs. Thus, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) toward risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Specifically, the aims were to assess students’ knowledge level, determine their attitudes toward CVD prevention, and evaluate lifestyle practices on cardiovascular risk factors. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 384 respondents using a structured questionnaire based on the KAP model. Cochran’s formula was used to determine the sample size and respondents were selected by random sampling. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that student knowledge of common CVD risk factors, specifically smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet, was moderate to high. Most respondents had positive attitudes, as the majority indicated the need for healthy lifestyle and preventive measures. However, practices were poor, with students undertaking high-risk behaviors such as low physical activity, excessive fast food consumption, sleeping problems with irreversible patterns of poor sleep and underutilization of health check-ups. There is a significant gap between knowledge and practice, which indicates the need for targeted health education and interventions aimed at behavior change such as counselling of patients. The authors conclude that universities should proactively promote cardiovascular health and encourage students to maintain healthy lifestyles.