Ashley L Merianos1, Wura Jacobs2, Oluyomi Oloruntoba3, Olivia E Gittens1, Matthew Lee Smith3,4,5. 1. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 2. Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA, USA. 3. School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. 4. Center for Population Health and Aging, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX; USA. 5. College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic risk factors are related to the early onset of chronic health conditions. PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with perceptions about the severity of three interrelated cardiometabolic risks (i.e., high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular disease) among U.S. college students. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 1,361 college students using an internet-delivered survey. Least squares regression models were fitted. Primary independent variables of interest were sex and cigarette smoking status. RESULTS: Relative to nonsmokers, smokers perceived high blood pressure (B=-0.09, P=0.001), obesity (B=-0.12, P<0.001), and cardiovascular disease (B=-0.12, P<0.001) to be significantly less severe. Across models, females perceived all three cardiometabolic risk factors to be more severe (P<0.005). Relative to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander students perceived all three cardiometabolic risk factors to be less severe (P<0.002). Compared to normal weight students, overweight (B=0.41, P=0.039) and obese (B=-0.72, P<0.001) students reported higher severity perceptions about obesity only. DISCUSSION: There are discordances between perceived severity of interrelated cardiometabolic risks among college students by personal factors. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Smoking prevention and cessation interventions are needed to educate college students about cardiometabolic risks associated with cigarette smoking, especially among male and minority students.
BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic risk factors are related to the early onset of chronic health conditions. PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with perceptions about the severity of three interrelated cardiometabolic risks (i.e., high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular disease) among U.S. college students. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 1,361 college students using an internet-delivered survey. Least squares regression models were fitted. Primary independent variables of interest were sex and cigarette smoking status. RESULTS: Relative to nonsmokers, smokers perceived high blood pressure (B=-0.09, P=0.001), obesity (B=-0.12, P<0.001), and cardiovascular disease (B=-0.12, P<0.001) to be significantly less severe. Across models, females perceived all three cardiometabolic risk factors to be more severe (P<0.005). Relative to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander students perceived all three cardiometabolic risk factors to be less severe (P<0.002). Compared to normal weight students, overweight (B=0.41, P=0.039) and obese (B=-0.72, P<0.001) students reported higher severity perceptions about obesity only. DISCUSSION: There are discordances between perceived severity of interrelated cardiometabolic risks among college students by personal factors. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Smoking prevention and cessation interventions are needed to educate college students about cardiometabolic risks associated with cigarette smoking, especially among male and minority students.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cardiovascular health; College health; Obesity; Risk perceptions; Smoking
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