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ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, disproportionately affecting low and middle income countries (LMICs). Despite advancements in healthcare in developed nations, CVD-related deaths continue to rise in developing regions, where over 80% of these deaths occur. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of undergraduate students in University of Benin, Nigeria in relation to cardiovascular health and its risk factors. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 498 undergraduate students undergoing various degree programs at the University of Benin. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of cardiovascular diseases, attitudes towards cardiovascular health and lifestyle practices that predispose individuals to CVDs. Key metrics such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratios were also measured and recorded. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 with a p < 0.05 which was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 20.88 years, with a standard deviation of ±2.388. The study revealed that while 81.7% of students demonstrated good knowledge of cardiovascular diseases, significant gaps remained, particularly among non-health related degree programs. Only 16.7% of students engaged in regular physical activity and 32.5% frequently consumed high fat and cholesterol-rich foods. A substantial amount of students exhibited risky practices such as poor dietary choices, physical inactivity and low rates of preventive health checkups. Notably, 9% of participants had elevated systolic blood pressure. Despite the good knowledge, poor practices persisted, indicating a disconnect between awareness and behavioral change.
