Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate a private university students’ level of awareness about Myocardial Infarction (MI) and risk factors (RF) and to look for measures that can be taken in accordance with the results.
Method: This study was performed in the years 2008 – 2009 amongst 400 of 726 students, studying in four departments of a university in Istanbul, who have accepted to participate in the study. As a means of data collection a questionnaire was used. The statistical evaluation was done by applying chi-square and the percentage tests.
Results: Students could define MI at low rate (35%). RF awareness in general was moderate. The top five of RF referred to by the students were respectively smoking (48,5%), stress (27,0%), genetics (23,3%), hypercholesterolemia (15,5%), and hypertension (13,8%). Percentage of students referring to multiple risk factors was low (32,7%). The relation between MI and smoking (91,5%), hypercholesterolemia (89,0%), hypertension (81,5%), obesity (83,7%) and physical inactivity (78,8%) was known well, though other RF, including Diabetes Mellitus (61,5%) was known at a lower level. College of Nursing (CON) students’ knowledge level, though less than expected, was higher compared to the students of other departments. MI and RF awareness was also relatively higher amongst upper classes students. This was the situation especially for CON students.
Conclusion: The students’ level of knowledge of the myocardial infarction and its risk factors is not sufficient. Under the light of smoking campaigns, educative campaigns focused heart attack, risk factors and appropriate lifestyle changes targeting both students and the society as a whole will be effective.