Comparison of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases between Medical Students and Nonmedical Students of the University of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major mortality cause worldwide. It is estimated that for Ghana, the probability of
dying from CVD, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease between ages 30 and 70 years is 20%. Evidence-based strategies reveal that controlling the risk factors associated with CVD leads to a reduction of CVD development, associated morbidity, and mortality.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding CVDs between medical and nonmedical students of the University of Ghana.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among University of Ghana medical students and students in non medical faculties. STATA version 14.0 (StataCorp USA) was used to analyse the data using descriptive statistics and statistical tests such as Pearson’s Chi‑Square tests to compare differences between groups at a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Medical students generally demonstrated higher levels of knowledge, a more positive attitude toward CVD, and more positive  practices toward the prevention of CVD compared to nonmedical students at the University of Ghana. Specifically, being a medical  student significantly increased the odds of the level of knowledge (odds ratio [OR] = 6.082); P = 0.001; 95% CI = 2.046–8.078) and level of  attitude (OR = 4.942; P = 0.007; 95% CI = 1.535–5.908) toward CVD compared with nonmedical students. However, the type of student, age,  sex, and level of student did not significantly influence the level of practice regarding the risks of CVD (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:  Efforts must be made to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding CVD, especially among nonmedical students of the  University of Ghana, to reduce the potential negative impact.