Knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk and exercise duration among asymptomatic sedentary male individuals participating in Islamic prayer (Salaah)

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk among asymptomatic sedentary males participating in Islamic prayer, alongside various exercise durations and age groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Sedentary male participants (n = 243) completed an online 78-point self-administered CVD risk questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to determine the research findings. For statistical rigour, participants were divided into two age groups. Participants were divided into three categories based on current exercise durations. Inter-group comparisons were completed using a one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to explore significant relationships. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (Version 26, IBM). The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The 21–30 age group 71.09% (7.53) and the 31–40 age group 72.74% (5.53) presented with Knowledge of CVD risk and prevention scores which indicated that older individuals were more knowledgeable about CVD risk and prevention. A significant difference [95% CI (− 6.76: 1.28), (p = 0.002)] existed among the 10–60-min and 61–140-min exercise duration categories. A significant difference (p = 0.006) was also found for inter-group comparisons. This result confirmed variability with duration categories. Significant differences were found between overall knowledge of CVD scores within the two age groups (p = 0.03). A negative correlation was demonstrated regarding knowledge of CVD risk and prevention, and duration of exercise (r = − 0.252; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about CVD risk and prevention is crucial for understanding the risk factors for CVD. The older individuals become, the more knowledgeable they are of CVD risk and prevention factors. Results show more inactive people are less likely to seek out knowledge of CVD risk and prevention. The study recommends that sedentary populations should engage in public health information interventions, physical activity (such as Salaah) and healthy lifestyle modifications. This will inform, increase awareness, and improve understanding of prevention strategies and risk factors for CVD.