Key result
College student smoking is linked to lower perceived severity of hypertension, obesity, and CVD.
Why the study?
Cardiometabolic risk factors are linked to the early onset of chronic conditions, but factors associated with students perceptions of their severity were unclear.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,361)
Effect estimate: B = -0.12
p-value: p=<.001
Smokers, males, and certain minority college students perceive cardiometabolic risk factors as less severe, highlighting a need for targeted health education and smoking cessation interventions.
May warrant tailored risk education for college smokers; leaves open causal links to behavior.
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. Linear 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 = .001), obesity (B = −0.12, P < .001), and cardiovascular disease (B = −0.12, P < .001) to be significantly less severe. Across models, females perceived all three cardiometabolic risk factors to be more severe (P < .005). Relative to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander students perceived all three cardiometabolic risk factors to be less severe (P < .002). Compared to normal weight students, overweight (B = 0.41, P = .039) and obese (B = −0.72, P < .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.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Merianos et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiometabolic risk factor perceptions (n=1,361). Cigarette smoking vs. Nonsmokers was evaluated on Perceived severity of high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (B = -0.12, p=<.001). Cigarette smoking among U.S. college students was associated with significantly lower perceived severity of high blood pressure (B=-0.09), obesity (B=-0.12), and cardiovascular disease (B=-0.12).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: