Knowledge and perception of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors among secondary school adolescents in Ibadan north local government, southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global leading cause of mortality, with increasing prevalence among the younger population in developing countries. Though its clinical manifestation is often seen in adulthood, its risk factors develop during adolescence, hence the need for urgent intervention among this sub-population. This study employed a mixed method design (cross-sectional survey with 442 participants and qualitative study with 43 participants) to investigate the knowledge and perception of CVD and its risk factors among adolescents. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit participants for the survey while participants for the qualitative phase were purposively selected. Two self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on knowledge and perception of participants. Data from the quantitative survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and percentages while qualitative data were analyzed using content thematic analysis. The cross-sectional survey showed that 82.4% of the participants had low and average knowledge while only 17.6% of the participants had high knowledge of CVD and its risk factors. Also, 72.7% had a poor perception of CVD and its risk factors. Smoking was the most commonly reported (91%) risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The qualitative study corroborated and explained findings from the quantitative study, as participants demonstrated low knowledge and poor perception of CVD and it risk factors. There is an urgent need for development of CVD awareness, prevention and health education programs in secondary schools so that adolescents can adopt healthier lifestyles, in order to prevent the development of CVD in future.