A cardiovascular health needs assessment of university students living in residence

The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiovascular health needs of university students living in residence. A survey was administered to students living in residence at a university in Nova Scotia, Canada to identify eating patterns, physical activity, smoking behaviours and perceived stress. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of association. Qualitative data were collected using focus group interviews. Results showed that fewer than half of the students participated in exercise three or more times per week, and 82% are less than the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. As perceived knowledge of CVD increased so did level of physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Fifty-six percent of students rated their stress as high or very high; exams and course assignments are a major cause of this stress. Fifteen percent of the university students surveyed were daily smokers. Barriers to a healthy lifestyle include time constraints and limited food choices in the residence cafeteria.