Prevalence and awareness of cardiometabolic risk factors among university students

Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes towards modifiable cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk factors among university students, providing insights into the effectiveness of current educational strategies and identifying the need for targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2024, utilizing an online survey distributed through social media platforms. The sample size was collected randomly and comprised 816 students from various academic years and specialties at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Results: The majority of participants in this study were females, aged between 21 and 25 years, and most were from medical specialties (60.4%). The mean body mass index was 23.33 ± 5.83 kg/m2. The analysis revealed significant associations between gender and lifestyle characteristics, such as dietary habits, physical activity, and smoking (p < 0.001). Participants with a family history of hypertension and type II diabetes consumed more high-fat foods and added sugar daily (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for more targeted awareness and intervention strategies to improve cardiovascular health among university students, especially those in non-medical majors. The findings can inform the development of educational programs and campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles and address the modifiable risk factors for CVDs in this population.