Association Between Health Risk Knowledge and Risk Behavior Among Medical Students and Residents In Yerevan

Abstract

Background. The relationship between risk knowledge, attitude, and behavior among different population groups is complex and has not been sufficiently explored. It was especially interesting to look at some aspects of this relationship among future health professionals (medical students and medical residents) assuming their detailed exposure to medical knowledge and health risks. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association between risk behavior and health risk knowledge/perception among medical students and residents in Yerevan, Armenia and examine the degree and direction of association between individual characteristics and risk behavior. Methods. A descriptive-analytical crosssectional survey design was used. Risk behavior and health risk knowledge/perception were assessed through an anonymous self-administrated questionnaire. Risk-taking behavior was measured as the number of all risk behaviors in a lifetime. Knowledge/perception was measured by the extent to which subjects agreed with risk-related statements. T-test, ANOVA, and linear regression modeling were used to analyze associations between total risk, health knowledge/perception, and individual characteristics. Results. Total risk was statistically significantly associated with age, gender, education, marital status, and having children; no association was found with birth order or attitude toward religion. Knowledge/perception about health risks was not associated with behaviors of interest after adjustment for potential “confounders.” There was a statistically significant interaction between marital status and knowledge/perception. Decrease in the number of reported risk behaviors with higher knowledge/perception score in this population was less among married participants than single participants. Conclusion. In this preliminary study, knowledge/perception of health risk did not appear to be a statistically significant predictor of risk behavior. Considering the limitations of this study, more research is needed to adequately assess the effect of knowledge and perception of health risk on risk behaviors of medical students and residents in Armenia.