Knowledge, Attitude and Stroke Risk Behaviors among Young University Lecturer with Risk Factors

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate personal factors, attitudes and self-care behaviors of young university lecturer with risk factors at Kasetsart University. This study was a cross-sectional survey research. The sample group was determined using multistage random sampling. The study population for this study were university lecturers (N=21) with risk factors for stroke by using an assessment guidelines for cardiovascular disease risk. Data were collected by study questionnaires and analyzed by using descriptive statistics.

The study results showed that 38.0% of subjects were between 30 - 35 years old and 36-40 years old similarly. Majority of the surveyed 57.1% of subjects were female.  Marital status were 15 cases (71.4%). Highest level of education were Doctoral degrees 17 cases (81%). The average of monthly income were 30,000 - 40,000 baht (38.1 %). Furthermore, the knowledge of stroke was found that the subjects had a good level of knowledge (80.95%). Attitudes toward stroke, the subjects had a high level (57.1%) and moderate level (42.9%). The top three dietary behaviors were 1.) sugary beverages such as soft drinks, instant fruit juices, sweetened beverages, milk tea, coffee or others (42.9%). 2.) The subjects eating less than half a kilogram of fresh fruits and vegetables or less than 5 handfuls each day (23.8%). 3.) They consumed high-fat meats such as lean pork, pork belly, chicken skin, roasted pork neck, animal organs, shellfish, squid or others (14.3%). The subjects consumed various desserts such as Old egg yolks flower, Gold egg yolks thread, Thai custard, Cake, Pancakes, Bread or others (14.3%) and  some subjects add sugar to each meal (14.3%) respectively. The stress-coping behaviors, the subjects had never drink alcohol when they had a problems (100 %). Exercise behavior, the subjects exercised at a moderate intensity, exited until they felt moderately tired, breathing slightly harder than usual but still able to talk until the end of a sentence, such as digging up the soil, cleaning the house, washing the car, walking briskly, cycling for 30 minutes at a time for 5 days a week, they work occasionally, 2-4 days / week (66.7%). Smoking behavior, none of the subjects smoked cigarettes / tobacco (100%). Alcohol drinking behavior, none of the subjects drank alcohol, such as liquor, beer, pickle, whiskey, brandy, and wine in large quantities (100 percent). Therefore, food knowledge should be promoted to reduce the consumption of sweet drink and to reduce the consumption of high-fat foods.  To increase the consumption of vegetables and more fruits including physical activity to proper health behavior and reduce risk factors that could lead of stroke.