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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpen.2454.9126.4118.2

Abstract

Behaviours established during the adolescence have long lasting consequences to the onset of many lifestyle diseases including coronary artery disease in later life. There is very limited data regarding coronary artery disease related knowledge and its influencing factors among adolescents. Therefore, it is essential to understand adolescent’s knowledge before designing and developing preventive programs focusing on this age group. The main objective of the study was to assess knowledge regarding coronary artery disease among 252 adolescents studying in selected schools of Thrissur district, Kerala, South India. A multistage random sampling technique was used. Data were collected using a self-administered-questionnaire on socio-demographic personal profile and knowledge on coronary artery disease. Results indicated that none of the adolescents had adequate knowledge, 77.4% had inadequate level of knowledge, and the remaining 22.6% had moderately adequate knowledge regarding coronary artery disease. Better coronary artery disease knowledge was found to be associated with female gender (p<0.05). The study findings highlight the importance of initiating programs for the prevention of CAD amongst adolescents.

Keywords: Knowledge; Coronary Artery Disease; Adolescents; Behaviours; Lifestyle Diseases; Risk Factor. 

Corresponding Author : Ramya K.R. Assistant Professor, Jubilee Mission College of Nursing, Thrissur, Kerala 680005 & Lead Quality Cell, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala 680006.