ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AMONG HEALTHCARE AND NON-HEALTHCARE STUDENTS IN DISTRICT SWABI

Abstract

Across the globe, heart disease is a leading cause of death.Many of its risk factors can be prevented if people have proper awareness. Young adults, especially university students, form lifelong habits during this age. Therefore, it is necessary to assess their knowledge about heart disease.The objective of this study was to compare knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors between healthcare and non-healthcare students in District Swabi.A cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 students ,120 healthcare students from Quaid Institute of Nursing and 120 non-healthcare students from University of Swabi. A 22-item questionnaire collected data on demographics, risk factor knowledge, and symptom awareness. Data was analyzed using Excel, and a Chi-square test compared groups (p < 0.05). Healthcare students had a higher mean score (12.28/16) than non-healthcare students (11.01/16). Among healthcare students, 58 (48%) had good knowledge, compared to 32 (27%) of non-healthcare students. The Chi-square test showed a significant difference (χ² = 12.48, df = 2, p = 0.002).In conclusion, healthcare students had better knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors. This suggests formal medical education increases awareness. However, non-healthcare students need health education programs to reduce the future burden of heart disease.