Prevalence of Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases among the Students of a Medical College in Kerala

Background: The morbidity and mortality profile of India has shifted from a communicable to a non-communicable one. Emergence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been facilitated by improvements in lifestyle favoring more sedentary living conditions and adoption of unhealthy dietary habits. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) account for most NCD deaths. A lifestyle devoid of the risk factors earlier in life is pivotal in shaping the course of the epidemic. The study aims to determine the prevalence of risk factors of CVDs among medical students. Materials and Methods: An interview-based cross-sectional study design was employed. All the students in the 3rd year of MBBS course were line listed and selection was done by simple random sampling. A pre-tested structured questionnaire designed to elicit the risk factors of CVD was used to collect data by a face to face interview. The risk factors were categorized into anthropometric measures, dietary habits, physical activity, vices, and family history. Results: About 30% of the participants were overweight and 17.3% of the participants had no physical activity. About 39.3% of the participants consumed junk food more than 2 times a week. About 98% of the participants consumed packaged food more than 2 times a week. About 21.3% consumed alcoholic beverages and 39.3% smoked. Family history of stroke or myocardial infarction was seen in 32.6% participants. Interpretation: Substantial prevalence of CVD risk factors in early life is concerning. Risk factors are seen across both genders and urban-rural backgrounds. Conclusion: Substantial prevalence of CVD risk factors in early life is concerning. Risk factors are seen across both genders and urban-rural backgrounds. Key words: Cardiovascular diseases, Medical students, Lifestyle