Develop targeted educational programs

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 139 views

A Comparative Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Health and Non-Health Students in the University of North Sumatra on Risk Factors and Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease

Introduction

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide, resulting in a significant number of deaths each year. As one of the leading causes of death globally, it is essential to evaluate the extent of students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding the risk factors and symptoms of this disease, especially among young individuals. This study aims to compare the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior between health students and non-health students in 2018 at the University of North Sumatra regarding risk factors and symptoms of coronary heart disease.

The Importance of Evaluating Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior

Evaluating students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding CHD is crucial in preventing and educating about this disease. CHD is a complex condition that requires a comprehensive understanding of its risk factors and symptoms. By evaluating students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, educators and healthcare professionals can identify areas of improvement and develop targeted interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent CHD.

Research Methods

This study employed an analytical descriptive method using a cross-sectional study approach. Data was obtained through filling out questionnaires by 122 respondents consisting of health and non-health students. The questionnaire included questions about knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to CHD.

Research Results

The results showed that there were significant differences in the level of knowledge and attitudes of health students compared to non-health students. The level of knowledge of health students is higher with the value of P = 0.008 and Odds Ratio (OR) 2,779. In addition, health students' attitudes towards risk factors and CHD symptoms are also better, with P = 0.005 and OR 2,906. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found in the behavior between the two groups of students, with the value of P = 0.562.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

This finding shows that health students have a better understanding of coronary heart disease compared to non-health students. This may be caused by a curriculum that is more focused on the aspects of health and medicine they live. However, the absence of differences in behavior between the two groups shows that good knowledge and attitudes do not always lead to effective precautions.

It is essential to emphasize that good attitudes and knowledge need to be balanced with proactive behavior towards health. This indicates the need for further educational programs that not only provide information but also encourage students to apply their knowledge in everyday life. Education involving simulations, real practices, and awareness campaigns about CHD can increase awareness and encourage students to adopt a healthy lifestyle that can prevent the emergence of CHD.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that there are significant differences in the level of knowledge and attitudes of health students compared to non-health students towards risk factors and symptoms of coronary heart disease. However, there is no significant difference in behavior. Therefore, it is very important to increase education and health campaigns that can encourage students to not only understand but also act based on the knowledge they have in order to prevent coronary heart disease.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Develop targeted educational programs: Educational programs should be developed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of CHD, its risk factors, and symptoms.
Encourage proactive behavior: Educational programs should encourage students to apply their knowledge in everyday life by promoting healthy behaviors and preventing CHD.
Increase awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns should be increased to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent CHD among students.
Involve simulations and real practices: Educational programs should involve simulations and real practices to increase awareness and encourage students to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The study employed a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.
Self-reported data: The data collected in this study is self-reported, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Increase the sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Employ a longitudinal design: Future studies should employ a longitudinal design to capture the dynamic nature of students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.
Use objective measures: Future studies should use objective measures to collect data, such as physiological measures, to reduce biases and limitations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of evaluating students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding CHD. The findings of this study show that health students have a better understanding of CHD compared to non-health students, but there is no significant difference in behavior. Therefore, it is essential to increase education and health campaigns that can encourage students to not only understand but also act based on the knowledge they have in order to prevent coronary heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Comparison of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Health and Non-Health Students in the University of North Sumatra on Risk Factors and Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to compare the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior between health students and non-health students in 2018 at the University of North Sumatra regarding risk factors and symptoms of coronary heart disease.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it evaluates the extent of students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding CHD, which is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. By understanding the differences in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior between health students and non-health students, educators and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent CHD.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study are:

Health students have a better understanding of CHD compared to non-health students.
Health students' attitudes towards risk factors and CHD symptoms are also better compared to non-health students.
There is no significant difference in behavior between health students and non-health students.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are:

Educational programs should be developed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of CHD, its risk factors, and symptoms.
Educational programs should encourage students to apply their knowledge in everyday life by promoting healthy behaviors and preventing CHD.
Awareness campaigns should be increased to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent CHD among students.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

Small sample size
Cross-sectional design
Self-reported data

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study are:

Increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings
Employ a longitudinal design to capture the dynamic nature of students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior
Use objective measures to collect data, such as physiological measures, to reduce biases and limitations

Q: What are the recommendations for educators and healthcare professionals?

A: The recommendations for educators and healthcare professionals are:

Develop targeted educational programs to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of CHD, its risk factors, and symptoms.
Encourage students to apply their knowledge in everyday life by promoting healthy behaviors and preventing CHD.
Increase awareness campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent CHD among students.

Q: What are the recommendations for students?

A: The recommendations for students are:

Take an active role in learning about CHD and its risk factors and symptoms.
Apply the knowledge gained in everyday life by promoting healthy behaviors and preventing CHD.
Participate in awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent CHD.

Q: What are the recommendations for policymakers?

A: The recommendations for policymakers are:

Develop policies and programs to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent CHD among students.
Increase funding for educational programs and awareness campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent CHD.
Collaborate with educators and healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent CHD.