Risk assessment and risk perception of coronary heart diseases among university students in gaza strip (Palastine)

Aim: the aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of coronary heart diseases (CHD) risk factors among Ghaza (Palastine) university students, to assess the CHD risk among them and to identify how they perceive their risk of CHD. Methods: During the period of May 2010 through May 2011, 600 students from different Universities were invited to participate, where they were subjected to a questionnaire interview including socio-demographic data, medical history of chronic diseases, family history about CHD and lifestyle related history, knowledge and perception of risk scales questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were performed. Results: Mean age was 20.8 ±2.07 years, 54% were females. The prevalence of hypertension and DM was 3.6% and 0.4% while it was 2.6% for hypercholesterolemia . The mean levels of LDL-C and HDL-C were higher among females. Smoking was more prevalent among males than females (33.1% Vs 1.7%) with a total prevalence of 19%. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent among males (30.7% Vs 22.5% and 9.6% Vs 5.6%). The overall level of perceived risk was moderate among both male and female participants. In contrast to risk perception female students tend to be more knowledgeable than males with regards to different aspects of CHD. Logistic regression showed that age and sex were associated significantly by higher level of total perception. Conclusion: Health education and health promotion programs concerning heart diseases should be implemented and integrated within the primary health care sectors and directed to University students for enhancing their knowledge and perception.