Open Access
When Knowledge Is Not Enough: Understanding the Disconnect Between Awareness of Hypertension Risk Factors and Health Behaviour Among UK University Students
Freedom Nwakaego Igheghe
1
Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu
1
Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo
1
Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe Iyevhobu
1
Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu
1
Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu
1
Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo
1
Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe Iyevhobu
1
Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu
1
4
MScPH, Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
PhD, Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
MPH, Family Health International, Ukraine; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
PhD, Faculty of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
PhD, Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
MScPH, Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
MPH, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Health Science, Edo State University, Iyamho, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
MPH, Clinical Services Department, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia At London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
PhD, FWACP, School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
PhD, World Health Organization, Ukraine; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
PhD, Vaccine Preventable Diseases Unit/Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control Cluster, World Health Organisation Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
FWACP, Department of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
MPH, Department of Health and Social Care, Scholars School System, Manchester, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
MScPH, General Medicine Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
MRCA, Intensive Care Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
MBBS, Department of Internal Medicine, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
MBBS, Department of Paediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
MBChB, Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Abstract
Preventive strategies for hypertension often rely on the assumption that increased awareness of risk factors leads to healthier behaviour. This study examines this assumption within a university student population in England by exploring the relationship between knowledge of avoidable risk factors and actual lifestyle practices. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, behaviour, and hypertension status. Descriptive analysis shows that students demonstrate high levels of awareness of key avoidable risk factors, including alcohol consumption, high salt intake, obesity, and poor diet. However, behavioural data reveal continued engagement in these same risk factors, particularly alcohol use and frequent consumption of junk food. Inferential analysis further indicates that several of these behaviours are significantly associated with hypertension status. These findings highlight a clear disconnect between knowledge and practice. The study argues that awareness alone is insufficient to drive behaviour change and calls for more comprehensive intervention strategies that address behavioural, social, and environmental influences on student health.
How to Cite
Igheghe, F. N., Obohwemu, K. O., Ekwuluo, C. E., Yakpir, G. M., Oguguo, C., Dada, O., … Agbelu, A. O. (2026). When Knowledge Is Not Enough: Understanding the Disconnect Between Awareness of Hypertension Risk Factors and Health Behaviour Among UK University Students. Frontiers in Medical and Clinical Sciences, 3(5), 01–14. https://doi.org/10.64917/fmcs/Volume03Issue05-01
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