An Exploratory Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching Programme on Knowledge and Practice Regarding Coronary Artery Diseases among Adolescents in Selected Colleges at Bangalore

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in India. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary patterns, smoking, alcohol consumption, and high stress levels have accelerated the incidence of CAD in recent decades. According to the World Health Organization and national health surveys, CAD continues to be one of the most common causes of premature death in India, particularly in urban populations and among younger adults. Urbanization has brought significant lifestyle transitions, particularly in metropolitan regions such as Bangalore. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–2021) reported that obesity prevalence in urban areas is approximately 33.2% among women and 29.8% among men. In Karnataka, the trend is even more concerning due to rapid changes in food habits, long working hours, reliance on motorized transport, and reduced opportunities for physical activity. Obesity is not only a disease in itself but also a major risk factor for several chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The combination of obesity and sedentary urban lifestyles makes CAD even more likely, contributing significantly to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. Despite the strong evidence linking obesity with CAD, many individuals remain unaware of the risks or fail to adopt preventive measures. Awareness of modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and stress management remains low. Health education is critical in addressing this gap, yet in many communities, structured health education programmes are either unavailable, inadequately implemented, or ineffective in changing long-term behaviors. Conventional approaches, such as health talks, leaflets, or pamphlets, often fail to capture attention or ensure retention of knowledge. Innovative teaching strategies are therefore required to make health education more effective, engaging, and sustainable. One such approach is video-assisted teaching. Videos are a powerful medium that combine visual and auditory learning, making complex medical concepts easy to understand. They are especially useful in populations with varying literacy levels, as they demonstrate processes and behaviors in a clear, relatable, and memorable manner. Evidence from recent studies suggests that video-assisted teaching not only improves knowledge but also motivates individuals to adopt healthier practices, which is essential for the prevention of CAD and other lifestyle-related diseases. 9 10 This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of a video-assisted teaching programme on knowledge and practice regarding CAD among obese individuals in selected urban communities of Bangalore. The intention is to provide an accessible and engaging method of health education that empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward better heart health. By illustrating the functioning of the heart, demonstrating lifestyle modifications, and sharing real-life scenarios, the programme aims to encourage participants to adopt preventive behaviours such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress reduction, and timely medical consultations.