Awareness of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factor Values and Lifestyle Practices among Nursing Students

This is a descriptive study investigating the relationship between awareness of metabolic syndrome risk factor values and lifestyle practices in nursing students. The participants were 165 nursing students in the third and fourth grades at two universities in Korea from March to June 2017. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 including mean, standard deviation, percentage, and independent samples t-test. A difference was found in physical activity and weight control (t=4.339, p<0.001) according to the participants’ awareness of blood pressure value. There were also differences in dietary habits (t=4.257, p<0.001) according to awareness of blood glucose value and in drinking and smoking habits (t=3.557, p=0.001) according to awareness of waist circumference. Therefore, there was a relationship between awareness of metabolic syndrome risk factor values and lifestyle practice. Awareness of risk factor values through metabolic syndrome screening and practice of healthy lifestyle are required to strengthen the foundation of cardiovascular health of nursing students.