A Study of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of the Women Referred to Health Centers for Cardiovascular Disease (CVDs) and Their Risk Factors

Abstract

Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. In the past decade a general increase in CVD risk factors in the population aged 65 and older, along with suboptimal control rates, have occurred. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, the authors describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Iranian females regarding risk factors for CVD, in an attempt to help with the development of strategies to control risk factors and CVD. Participants were 200 women ages 15-49 referred to health centers in Yazd, selected from four different centers. Data were gathered through a questionnaire consisting of demographics and questions related to KAP. The validity of the questionnaire was determined by a health education specialist, with its reliability determined by piloting and measuring the related Cronbach's alpha (Alpha = 0.720). Measuring knowledge of CVD on a scale of 0-20, the mean knowledge score was 10.203.91. More than 76% of the participants knew that CVD is preventable. Ninety-one percent liked exercising and believed that exercising would make them feel better. The average mean scores for attitudes of participants toward CVD were 30.31 ± 3.21 out of 36. The authors conclude that there is a need for enhancing mothers' general knowledge about the disease, because of the increasing rates of CVD in females. This will lead to improvements in attitude and practice. Furthermore, learning in groups of 12 can be a beneficial educational method.

Public knowledge of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in Kuwait: a cross-sectional survey

“…Smoking was identified as the most common risk factor in this study, which is consistent to that reported in Pakistan [ 16 ], but higher than that stated in previous studies from North Ireland, Canada, Iran, the Gulf countries, Jordan, South Africa, and Nepal [ 14 , 15 , 17 , 19 – 22 ]. The current results indicate a better knowledge about unhealthy diet as a risk factor when compared to previous reports from Pakistan, North Ireland, Jordan, and South Africa [ 12 , 14 , 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Chest pain was the most common known symptom (50.4%), which is close to that found in Beijing [ 23 ], but higher than that in Pakistan [ 12 ] and Nepal [ 22 ]. In contrast, a higher knowledge was reported by previous studies from North Ireland, Canada, Iran and Jordan, where chest pain was known by over 75% of respondents [ 14 , 15 , 17 , 20 ]. Shortness of breath was recognized by 48.0% of the study population, which is consistent to that reported in North Ireland, Canada and Jordan [ 14 , 15 , 20 ], but higher than that in Pakistan and Nepal [ 12 , 22 ].…”

“…The current results indicate a better knowledge about unhealthy diet as a risk factor when compared to previous reports from Pakistan, North Ireland, Jordan, and South Africa [ 12 , 14 , 20 , 21 ]. Nevertheless, the study participants show lower knowledge related to physical inactivity and obesity as risk factors when compared with the figures in Pakistan, North Ireland, Iran, Jordan, and Nepal [ 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 20 , 22 ]. Stress as a risk factor was identified by 62% of respondents, which is close to that reported in Iran, Jordan and South Africa [ 17 , 20 , 21 ], but higher than that in Pakistan, North Ireland, Canada, and Nepal [ 12 , 14 , 15 , 22 ].…”

“…Shortness of breath was recognized by 48.0% of the study population, which is consistent to that reported in North Ireland, Canada and Jordan [ 14 , 15 , 20 ], but higher than that in Pakistan and Nepal [ 12 , 22 ]. Iranians showed a higher knowledge than Kuwaitis regarding shortness of breath [ 17 ]. ‘Pain in arms or shoulder’ was identified by 41.2% of respondents, which concurs with that reported in Canada and Jordan [ 15 , 20 ], but higher than that reported by studies from North Ireland and Nepal [ 14 , 22 ].…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Modifiable Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases Among Adults in Rural Community, Lahore

“…In another study, secondhand exposure to smoke causes heart diseases, which increases the risk of disease by approximately 25-30% (Pope III et al, 2011). Moreover, the participants showed lower knowledge related to physical inactivity as risk factors when compared with study conducted in Iran (Mazloomy et al, 2014). Eating fresh fruits and vegetables keeps your heart healthy.…”