Young adults' knowledge and attitudes towards cardiovascular disease : A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims and objectives
To explore young adults' knowledge and attitudes of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors.

Background
Cardiovascular disease morbidity is rising and mortality is declining among young adults. However, the knowledge of cardiovascular disease by young adults is not well known.

Design
A systematic review with meta‐analysis was used.

Methods
The databases of CINHAL, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO and Psycarticles were searched for all studies published before June 2016. Search terms included cardiovascular disease, young adult, attitude and knowledge. Papers were included if they were published in English and reported quantitative research with a study population between the ages of 18–34 years, with a focus on knowledge and attitudes to cardiovascular disease. Meta‐analyses were conducted to assess the extent of knowledge of risk factors on heart disease.

Results
Nine risk factors for cardiovascular disease were identified by the respondents; smoking (synthesised estimate of 55% of respondents identifying as a risk factor, 95% confidence interval of synthesised estimate 45%–65%); obesity (27%, 95% CI, 26%–29%); high blood cholesterol (33%, 95% CI, 12%–54%); high blood pressure (25%, 95% CI, 18%–32%); genetic factors (26%, 95% CI, 23%–29%); physical inactivity (39%, 95% CI, 30%–47%); stress (49%, 95% CI, 48%–51%); advancing age (10%, 95% CI, 8%–12%) and diet (55%, 95% CI, 54%–56%).

Conclusion
Young adults demonstrate limited knowledge and poor attitudes regarding cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. The finding of this review demonstrates that there is an urgent need to build knowledge of cardiovascular risk identification in this population group.

Relevance to clinical practice
Increasing cardiovascular disease in young adults will put stress in the healthcare system financially and economically. There is a need of awareness of cardiovascular disease in this population group.