MODIFIABLE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS: A KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE (KAP) STUDY AMONG LAW UNDERGRADUATES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, NIGERIA

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of preventable and premature death worldwide, largely driven by modifiable risk factors. Data on cardiovascular health literacy among non-medical Nigerian undergraduates remain limited.

To assess knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among law undergraduates at the University of Lagos.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 326 undergraduates selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Chi-square tests assessed associations, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Mean age was 21.57 ± 2.01 years; 57.4% were male. Only 9.5% demonstrated good knowledge of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, while 47.2% held positive attitudes and 58.3% reported good preventive practices. Just 53.1% correctly identified that most heart disease is preventable, and 43.3% were unsure. Physical inactivity was widespread: 74.3% rarely or never exercised for at least 20 minutes during leisure time. Knowledge was significantly associated with age (p = 0.031), level of study (p < 0.001), and family history of CVD (p = 0.003). Preventive practices were significantly associated with the level of study (p < 0.001) and knowledge (p = 0.024).

Cardiovascular health literacy was poor despite relatively favourable preventive practices, indicating a knowledge–behaviour gap. Early, targeted cardiovascular health education is needed to strengthen understanding and sustain healthy behaviours among university students.