The Role of Gender on the Formation of Κnowledge and Βeliefs About Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Children Between 10-12 Years Old: Epidemiologic Study

Objective: To evaluate the role of gender on the formation of children’s knowledge and beliefs as regards cardiovascular risk factors. Design: 1100 students (45% male), 10 – 12 years old, from primary schools in Attiki as well as in Heraklion (Crete) participated in this study, during the school years 2013-14 and 2015-16 (participation rate: 90%), through self-reported, anonymous questionnaire. Among other parameters, information on children’s knowledge concerning various issues related to cardiovascular risk, such as nutri-tion, physical activity and smoking were also recorded. Results: No statistically significant relationship was established between gender and total score of children’s knowledge and perceptions of cardiovascular risk factors (p=0.238). However, a statistically significant difference between the two genders was observed in specific replies. Girls answered in greater numbers correctly on whether they consider soft drinks unhealthy foods (88,3%, in contrast to 77.8% of boys, p=0,00), while boys answered in greater numbers right on the frequency they should exercise (62.3% in contrast to 54.7% of girls, p=0.01). Conclusions: In this study differences were found on answers given concerning specific dietary and lifestyle habits between males and females. However, as documented,gender is not a determinant of total knowledge and perceptions about cardiovascular risk factors. This fact generates more questions concerning the effect of gender on the formation of students’ knowledge and perceptions around cardiovascular risk. Broader education and awareness of students and parents should be a primary objective of cardiovascular disease prevention policy. Hellenic J Nutr Diet 2018, 5(1):1-11