2024-2025 Grant in Aid of Research
Effect of CVD Education on the Perception and Modifiable Health Behaviors of College Students.
Sanitha Douglas
Studies show that due to college students’ lifestyle behaviors, they are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, despite their lifestyle, they do not perceive their CVD risk (Güneş et al., 2019; Robinson et al., 2019). These studies illuminate the need for colleges to identify and correct inaccurate perceptions of students' CVD risk and promote healthier lifestyle behaviors. According to Duarte-Clíments et al. (2021), insufficient knowledge of modifiable risk, is the primary risk associated with young adults having impaired cardiovascular function. Therefore, this project aims to bridge the gap between CVD perception and insufficient CVD knowledge that appears to contribute to CVD risk behaviors among the young adult population.
The PICOT question for this project is “In college students (P), how does CVD education (I) compared to present status (C) affect their perception and modifiable risk behaviors of CVD (O) within eight weeks (T)?” The project will explore how students' perception of their CVD risk affects their health behavior. The aim is to show that if education increases students' perception of CVD risk, students will adjust their health behaviors to lower their risk. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is clear that the lack of knowledge is destroying God’s people (Hosea 4:6), and that people should keep their hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23, KJV). This project is designed to help decrease the CVD knowledge deficit, which will in turn contribute to the participants keeping their hearts with diligence.