Knowledge and Awareness of Metabolic Syndrome Relevant Conditions among College Students in University of Tabuk, KSA.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a major public-health and clinical challenge worldwide, it has gained increasing interest due to its association with type II diabetes mellitus and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as causing mortality. Aim: Is to assess knowledgeand awareness of MSand conditions associated with it among a sample of college students in the University of Tabuk to design health care promotion schemes for improving MS knowledge and awareness in the community. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to 97college students of the University of Tabuk. The questionnaire includes questions related to six conditions: diabetes, hypertension, obesity, serum cholesterol level, atherosclerosis and stroke. Students’ answers were scored and statistically analyzed. Results: Most of students could correctly recognized symptoms and complications of diabetes, hypertension, serum cholesterol level and obesity. Lower scores were observed in the students' knowledge about manifestations, complications and treatment of atherosclerosis and stroke. There was a significant statistical relationship between students' knowledge about MS relevant conditions and students' education major (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Students’ knowledge and awareness about conditions relevant to MS can be improved especially among non-medical college students in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and to prevent metabolic syndrome relevant conditions complications.