Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Dergisi, 2026 (TRDizin)
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between university students' knowledge levels of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and their perceptions of access to healthcare services. The study was conducted with a descriptive and cross-sectional design, involving 238 students from a vocational school at Sivas Cumhuriyet University. Data were collected online using the Personal Information Form, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level Scale (CVD-RKLS), and the Perceived Access to Healthcare Services Scale (ACCESS). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis, and the statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. The average score for students' knowledge level of CVD risk factors was found to be 17.37 ± 5.05, indicating a moderate level of knowledge. More than half of the students (51.3%) stated that they only seek healthcare services when they are ill, and the most frequently preferred healthcare institution was public hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health (78.6%). A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between knowledge level of CVD risk factors and perceived access to healthcare services (r = 0.247; p < 0.001). It was determined that age and class level significantly affected the knowledge level, while socioeconomic status and the presence of chronic disease significantly affected the perceptions of access to healthcare services. According to the regression analysis results, the perceived access to healthcare variables explained approximately 71% of the variance in knowledge level, with the acceptability subscale being the strongest predictor. In conclusion, although university students' knowledge level of CVD risk factors was moderate, this knowledge only had a limited impact on their healthcare utilization behaviors. The findings suggest that university-based preventive health programs should not only focus on providing information but also be supported by holistic approaches that increase access to healthcare services and acceptability. Keywords: cardiovascular diseases, risk factors, access to health services, university students