Lifestyle Behaviours as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease Among University Students in Kirkuk Province

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, having several risk factors. Key risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, a high-fat diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. These risks, when present in young adults, can predict long-term CVD development. Early identification of at-risk individuals is crucial to promoting lifestyle changes before the disease advances. Current study aims to evaluate the prevalence of CVD risk factors among university students in Kirkuk, Iraq. A total of 866 students were randomly selected to participate, with data collected via a questionnaire covering sociodemographic variables and CVD risk factors. Assessed parameters included body mass index, blood pressure, random blood glucose, physical activity, sleep patterns, and smoking with dietary habits. The findings indicated that male students had a higher prevalence of risk factors than females, with smoking, lack of physical activity, irregular sleep patterns, and unhealthy diets being the most common. Notably, one-third of participants exhibited three or more risk factors. To address this, intervention programs should be initiated to enhance students' awareness of CVD risk factors and promote increased physical activity.