Assessing the Risk Perception and Knowledge Regarding Cardiovascular Diseases in Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes in Central India: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The perceptions of patients can be important in health-related behaviors and disease prognosis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the risk perception and knowledge of hypertensive and diabetic patients. Methodology The study was conducted among 264 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was used, which initially identified themes related to risk perception about CVDs among patients. Knowledge and risk perception about CVDs were quantified using a survey derived from predefined themes. CVD knowledge scores were categorized into low, intermediate, and high scores, and the trends of risk perception were studied across this spectrum of cardiovascular knowledge. Results The age of the participants ranged from 30 to 78 years. Overall, 57.19% of the participants were males, whereas 42.80% were females. The qualitative results revealed that the sources of knowledge about CVDs, physical activity, and maintaining a nutritious diet included family, friends, and media. On the other hand, doctors played a significant role in influencing perceptions related to medications. The observation of complications related to CVDs and the fear of mortality played a pivotal role in shaping the perception regarding the seriousness of the condition. Perceived susceptibility was low if there was unawareness of protection through medications and lifestyle changes, but it was high with stress or heredity. The analysis of CVD knowledge and risk perception survey data revealed the median CVD knowledge score to be 12 (interquartile range = 7.5-13), which showed a significant association with education and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). The distribution of risk perception scores across the spectrum of CVD knowledge scores depicted that participants with higher scores agreed more with CVDs being serious and their susceptibility to them. Conclusions Despite having high knowledge scores regarding CVDs, the study population had average risk perception. Patient risk perceptions should be evaluated as it affects the health-seeking behavior and prognosis of the disease.