Knowledge about cardio-vascular disease and its risk factors among college-going students in peri-urban Bengaluru, South India

Background: Knowledge on cardiovascular disease (CVD), its risk factors and preventive measures including lifestyle and behavior changes among youth is an important primary prevention measure to control CVDs. Objective: To assess the knowledge about CVD and its risk factors among college-going youth near Bengaluru city, Karnataka Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among college-going youth pursuing various undergraduate degree courses in a peri-urban area near Bangalore, South India. A face-validated, pre-tested, and self-administered questionnaire which captured sociodemographic details along with fifty questions to assess knowledge of CVD and its risk factors was administered. Results: A total of 693 college students participated in the study, of whom 342 (49.4%) were male. The mean age of the participants was 19.06 ± 1.62 years. Overall mean knowledge score regarding CVD and its risk factors was 20.69 ± 6.75 (out of 50). Knowledge scores were significantly higher among those residing in a hostel (P = 0.043) and among those in the 2nd and 3rd year of the course (P Conclusions: College-going youth were found to have poor knowledge about CVD and its risk factors. We were able to identify erroneous beliefs and myths regarding CVD and its risk factors. It is necessary to create awareness among the youth by including CVD and its risk factors as a part of the regular college curriculum.