Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Perception and Its Relation to Personal Lifestyle Among Female University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

IntroductionRisk perception is the key component of many health behavior changes. This study identified the deliberative sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk perception among young females during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its implication on their willingness to lifestyle change in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study using self-administered online questionnaires was conducted to reach a total of 797 female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ResultsEighty-six percent of participants showed moderate SCD risk perception, with a mean score of 20.4±4.4. Ninety-six percent of participants had ≥1 established SCD risk factor. A family history of cardiovascular disease and SCD was the most commonly reported risk factor (75.5%), followed by physical inactivity (75.4%). Nearly 60% of participants showed a high willingness to change personal lifestyle behaviors, however, the presence of risk factors did not significantly enhance their willingness to change in order to control these risk factors. ConclusionsThis study identifies the deliberative SCD risk perception among young Saudi women and raises the need for preventive health care programs that enhance healthy behaviors among students at high risk, to minimize cardiovascular diseases and fatalities.

The Impact of Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Perception on Lifestyle Modification Intention Among Adults in Jazan Province

“… 17 , 21 Additionally, the perception of risk may be influenced by other factors, such as personal experience, media coverage, and cultural beliefs, which may not be directly related to income. 21 , 28–30 …”

“…In terms of physical activity and risk perception, our study found that inactive participants perceived less risk compared to active participants, which is consistent with previous studies. 21 , 28 , 37 However, variations in findings across different studies might be attributed to differences in sample characteristics, and future studies could consider utilizing data from smartwatches for more accurate results. 41–43 …”

“…A pretested anonymous self-administered electronic survey 21 was utilized after obtaining permission to use it. The electronic survey took approximately four to five minutes and was distributed through various social media channels, including WhatsApp, Twitter, Telegram, and Snapchat.…”

“…For instance, a study conducted in Riyadh between September 2020 and May 2021 found that 86% of participants had a moderate risk perception of SCD, and risk perception increased with the number of CVD risk factors. 21 Similarly, studies conducted in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Nigeria, and the United States between 2008 and 2019 reported that people, especially women and young individuals, tended to be overly optimistic about their risk of developing CVDs. [23][24][25][26][27][28] Contrary to these findings, our study revealed that women and younger participants had a higher risk perception of SCD, despite being limited by the younger population that we have in this study.…”

“…Other studies have reported similar results, suggesting that higher education does not necessarily lead to a greater awareness of SCD risk factors. 17,21 Additionally, the perception of risk may be influenced by other factors, such as personal experience, media coverage, and cultural beliefs, which may not be directly related to income. 21,[28][29][30] We found that single participants had the highest risk perception regarding marital status.…”