Perceived versus Actual Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in College Students
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| Title: | Perceived versus Actual Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in College Students |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Holt, E. W. (ORCID |
| Source: | American Journal of Health Education. 2020 51(1):59-68. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2020 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Heart Disorders, Risk, Prevention, Student Attitudes, Student Characteristics, At Risk Students, Age Differences, Body Composition, Body Weight, Body Height, Heredity, Health, Health Behavior, Undergraduate Students, Chronic Illness, Health Education, Wellness, Physical Activity Level, Probability |
| DOI: | 10.1080/19325037.2019.1694608 |
| ISSN: | 1932-5037 |
| Abstract: | Background: College wellness interventions have potential to reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by guiding students to establish behaviors for lifetime CVD risk reduction. Yet, some students may not see CVD prevention as a relevant issue during young adulthood. Purpose: We examined perceived risk of CVD amongst 148 college students and compared perceived risk to demographic characteristics and traditional risk markers. Methods: Survey data on perceived CVD risk and student characteristics were linked to biochemical lab values from a cholesterol screening program. Results: Only 39.2% of students had been previously screened for dyslipidemia. Mean perceived CVD risk was highest amongst students with age [greater than or equal to]21 years, BMI [greater than or equal to]30, a family history of CVD, and a fair or poor rating of overall health. Perceived risk was not higher amongst students with total cholesterol values outside of the normal range. Discussion: While some students were aware they may possess an elevated CVD risk, we identified others who were unaware of a potential risk. Translation to Health Education Practice: These variations in perceived risk indicate that individualized intervention approaches may be necessary to engage college students in behaviors for lifelong CVD prevention. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2020 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1240196 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: College wellness interventions have potential to reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by guiding students to establish behaviors for lifetime CVD risk reduction. Yet, some students may not see CVD prevention as a relevant issue during young adulthood. Purpose: We examined perceived risk of CVD amongst 148 college students and compared perceived risk to demographic characteristics and traditional risk markers. Methods: Survey data on perceived CVD risk and student characteristics were linked to biochemical lab values from a cholesterol screening program. Results: Only 39.2% of students had been previously screened for dyslipidemia. Mean perceived CVD risk was highest amongst students with age [greater than or equal to]21 years, BMI [greater than or equal to]30, a family history of CVD, and a fair or poor rating of overall health. Perceived risk was not higher amongst students with total cholesterol values outside of the normal range. Discussion: While some students were aware they may possess an elevated CVD risk, we identified others who were unaware of a potential risk. Translation to Health Education Practice: These variations in perceived risk indicate that individualized intervention approaches may be necessary to engage college students in behaviors for lifelong CVD prevention. |
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| ISSN: | 1932-5037 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/19325037.2019.1694608 |
