SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF NURSING UNDERGRADUATES AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Introduction: In addition to the known cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), sociodemographic conditions influence the emergence of unfavorable lifestyle habits, especially among nursing students. Therefore, knowing the presence of these factors and their association with the sociodemographic profile becomes necessary to implement health promotion programs and raise awareness of the problems that such habits can cause to the individual. Objective: To associate the sociodemographic profile of nursing undergraduates with CVRF. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative, correlational study with non-probabilistic sampling was conducted with 100 undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected using an instrument developed by the researchers, aimed at characterizing the sample, determining the sociodemographic profile and CVRF, and subjected to statistical treatment. Results: There was a predominance of female undergraduates (85%), aged 18-30 years (69%), in the 1st semester of undergraduate studies (42%), afternoon period (54%), single (70%), without children (70%), of white race/color (47%), evangelical (44%), with active employment status (79%), monthly family income of 1-3 minimum wages (63%), approximately 6-9 hours of work (63.3%). The CVD risk factors found in the students were: insufficient physical activity (62%), family history of CVD (45%), alcohol consumption (36%), obesity (25%), high cholesterol (6%), smoking (4%), DM (3%). Conclusion: an association was observed between sociodemographic characteristics and a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Identifying this association may guide actions aimed at promoting cardiovascular health.