Knowledge and Perception of Cardiovascular disease Risk Factors among Allied Health Sciences Students of Bayero University, Kano

Abstract

Background: Knowledge and perception of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are important for the prevention and control of CVD  given its high prevalence in Africa. Little or no information is available on the knowledge and perception of CVDs among university-level  students in Nigeria. This study assessed knowledge and perception of CVD factors among allied health sciences students at Bayero  University, Kano (BUK), Nigeria.

Methods: Respondents were recruited proportionally from all levels of study (100 to 500/600) of the five  departments (Medical Laboratory Science [MLS], Nursing Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography and Optometry) that make up the Faculty  of Allied Health Sciences in BUK using a systematic sampling technique. The ABCD Risk Assessment Questionnaire, which assesses  knowledge and perception of cardiovascular disease risk factors was administered to the respondents. Data obtained was analyzed using  descriptive and inferential statistics on SPSS version 24.

Results: A total of 311 respondents participated in this study. In terms of  department and level of study, the highest number of participants were from the department of MLS and 200 level, whilst the least  proportion were from the department of optometry and 500 level, respectively. Also, male respondents were slightly more in number  than females (54% vs. 46%). The major results of the study indicated that nearly all the respondents were evenly split between having a  moderate (49.8%) and good (49.5%) level of knowledge of CVDs. The results further showed most respondents demonstrated a positive  perception towards CVD risk factors in the domains assessed such as perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, and benefits of lifestyle  changes. Nevertheless, respondents largely did not attempt questions about alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking. Lastly, the  results also revealed that being female, of a higher level of study and studying physiotherapy followed by radiography then nursing  science then medical laboratory science and optometry was significantly associated with better knowledge of the risk of CVDs (p<0.05),  whilst age was not significantly associated with knowledge of the risk of CVDs (p>0.05)

Conclusion: It was concluded that allied health  sciences students of Bayero University Kano have between moderate to a good level of knowledge and perception of CVD and CVD risk factors, which is greatly influenced by gender, level/programme of study.