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Cardiovascular health--behaviour of medical students in Karachi

F Aslam1, H Mahmud, A Waheed

  • 1The Aga Khan University, Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|November 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Many medical students exhibit poor health behaviors and low awareness regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. This highlights an urgent need to improve preventive education for future physicians to combat rising CVD rates.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Medical Education

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a significant global health burden.
  • Medical students' health behaviors and perceptions are crucial for future patient counseling.
  • Understanding these factors is vital for promoting preventive cardiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the health behaviors and perceptions of medical students concerning cardiovascular disease.
  • To identify factors influencing these behaviors and perceptions.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 203 medical students in Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Systematic random sampling and self-administered questionnaires were employed.

Main Results:

  • Significant prevalence of family history of coronary artery disease (33%), physical inactivity (72%), and poor screening awareness (blood pressure 62.1%, cholesterol 5.4%).
  • While 62% expressed concern about future CVD, only 54% adopted preventive practices.
  • Key barriers included perceived lack of need for prevention at a young age (38.3%) and lack of consideration (37.0%).

Conclusions:

  • Medical students display concerning health behaviors and limited awareness regarding cardiovascular disease prevention.
  • There is an urgent need to enhance preventive knowledge and practices among medical students.
  • Empowering future physicians with preventive strategies is essential to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract

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