Students' Knowledge and Adherence on Nutrition as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Diseases

Shely Levy. ”Students' knowledge and adherence on nutrition as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases”. Bachelor‘s thesis. Supervisor - Dr. Daiva Kriukelytė. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Nursing Faculty, Department of Nursing. Kaunas, 2023. Pages: 47. Research aim to analyze the knowledge and adherence of students at the University of Health Sciences about nutrition as a risk factor for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Methodology: This quantitative survey research collected data from 107 students enrolled in the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. The anonymous questionnaire was provided to students from Nursing, Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy study programs. The survey used questions from two questionnaires: The Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level “CARRIFKL” and “Mediterranean Diet Knowledge/Adherence Questionnaire”. The researchers of both studies gave written consent via email. Individual characteristics were asked such as gender, religion, age and level of education. Findings were then analyzed. Main results: A overall high level of knowledge was noticed with regard to cardiovascular risk factors and a medium level of knowledge was observed regarding the Mediterranean. Although, a low level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was noticed. A significant difference was noticed between Lithuanian and International students, indicating a higher level of knowledge of the Mediterranean diet among Lithuanians yet a higher adherence among the International students. No significant difference was observed based on religion and gender, but a significant medium correlation was noticed between age and diet adherence. Nursing students were observed to have a higher mean score in knowledge in comparison to physiotherapy and occupational therapy students. Conclusions: Participants were found to have sufficient knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and the Mediterranean diet yet a gap was found between knowledge and adherence. This risk factor should be addressed to improve health-promoting behavior to reduce morbidity and mortality.