Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Determinants among Adolescents at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease is rising in sub-Saharan Africa, yet adolescent awareness remains underexplored. Few Nigerian studies have assessed CVD knowledge determinants using validated tools, creating a gap in evidence for targeted prevention. The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge of CVD risk factors and identify sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants among adolescents in Benin City.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 180 adolescents aged 10-19 years, with a mean age of 15.01 ± 2.76 years, attending the Family Medicine Clinic, UBTH, Benin City, from June to August 2023. Knowledge was measured using the modified Heart Disease Facts Questionnaire (HDFQ), 25 items across 5 domains. Scores 0-100 were graded as poor 0- 50, fair 51-70, and good >70. Binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of good knowledge. p<0.05 was significant. 

Results: Mean composite knowledge score was 49.4 ± 17.9. Overall, 99 (55.0%) had poor knowledge, 54 (30.0%) fair, and 27 (15.0%) good. The CVD risk factors domain scored the highest, 4.2 ± 1.8; the exercise domain scored the lowest 1.5 ± 1.0. Independent predictors of good knowledge were age 10-12 years AOR=10.7, 95%CI:2.4-458, p=0.002 and 13-16 years AOR=4.7, 95%CI:1.4-16.0, p=0.012 versus 17-19 years; tertiary education versus primary AOR=0.02, 95%CI:0.002-0.12 and secondary AOR=0.09, 95%CI:0.03-0.32, p=0.0001. Physical activity was significantly related to knowledge (χ² = 8.696, p = 0.011). The model explained 22.5% to 30.1% of the variance.

Conclusion: Knowledge of CVD risk factors among adolescents in Benin City is poor. Younger age, higher education, and physical activity predict better knowledge. School and clinic-based interventions targeting older adolescents with low educational attainment are urgently needed.