Assessment of the Knowledge Level Regarding Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Comparison Across Age Groups

Varied education sources concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors exist. This study was to assess the knowledge level of CVD risk factors across age groups and whether certain educational sources contributed to greater knowledge. Participant groups were those who had completed outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, general adults, college students, high school, and elementary school students. The survey consisted of demographics, sources of CVD risk factor information, and 11 questions assessing CVD risk factor knowledge. Relationships between survey data and score on the exam were explored with multiple regression, Chi-square, and t tests. 406 surveys were administered with 381 analyzed (93.8%). There were significant differences between groups' knowledge of CVD risk factors (p = 0.034) with college students knowing the most (88% correct) and elementary students the least (77%). Significant differences between groups existed for knowledge from formal education and mass media (p < 0.001), along with internet and family experience (p < 0.003). Family discussion had the greatest odds ratio for high level of knowledge (- 3.78). Age groups received CVD risk factor education from different sources leading to small, but significant differences in knowledge. Knowledge levels in this study were high over all age groups.