Cardiovascular disease knowledge, risk perception, and lifestyle behaviors among university students in North-Central Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality in Nigeria, with risk trajectories often established in early adulthood. While university students are a key population for prevention, a critical gap exists in understanding how their knowledge of CVD translates into personal risk perception and lifestyle intentions in the Nigerian context. This study investigated this nexus among students in North-Central Nigeria.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,300 undergraduates from two universities using the validated ABCD Risk Questionnaire. The survey measured CVD knowledge (0-8 scale), perceived risk (8-32 scale), and behavioral intentions for exercise and diet. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Pearson correlation

SUBMITTER: Coker OS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12859827 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature