Risk assessment and risk perception of coronary heart disease among university students in gaza strip , Palastine
METHODS: The study sample comprised 501 subjects and extended for one year in the three main universities in Ghaza. Participants were subjected to the following activities; Self administered questionnaire: include socio-demographic data, medical history of chronic diseases, family history about CHD and lifestyle related history, their level of knowledeg and perceived risk for CHD in addition to anthropometric measurements, Laboratory tests: serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar
RESULTS: Mean age was 20.8 ±2.07 years, 54% were females. The prevalence of hypertension and DM was 3.6% and 0.4% while it was 2.6% for hypercholesterolemia . The mean levels of LDL-C and HDL-C were higher among females. Smoking was more prevalent among males than females (33.1% Vs 1.7%) with a total prevalence of 19%. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent among males (30.7% Vs 22.5% and 9.6% Vs 5.6%). The overall level of perceived risk was moderate among both male and female participants. In contrast to risk perception female students tend to be more knowledgeable than males with regards to different aspects of CHD. Logistic regression showed that age and sex were associated significantly by higher level of total perception
CONCLUSIONS: Health education and health promotion programs concerning heart diseases should be implemented and integrated within the primary health care sectors and directed to University students for enhancing their knowledge and perception