Population awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors and health care seeking behavior in the UAE

Abstract

Objectives We aimed to determine the awareness, knowledge, and attitude of people residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Our aim was to further identify prospects to increase awareness of modifiable CVD risk factors and influence behavior. Methods This observational study was conducted in Dubai: a global city in the United Arab Emirates. Participants were selected using simple randomization approach in primary health care centers, and a questionnaire was implemented based on literature review. Results Out of 1020 individuals approached, 738 agreed to participate in the study (response rate of 72%).The majority of participants surveyed had good knowledge and attitude toward CVD (528, 71.5% and 445, 60% respectively); yet, poor/fair practice related to CVD risk factors (553, 75%). Predictive Margins of Knowledge Scores were significant for age ( p <.01), academic level ( p <.0001), and nationality ( p <.0001) (Table 5). Participants aging 40-49, non-UAE subjects, and university/Postgraduate academic level scored better on the knowledge. Demographics predictor for practice score was highly significant for age ( p =.0001) and BMI ( p =.0001). Those aging ≥50 and obese participants scored higher on practice toward CVD risk factors. Knowledge score was significant predictor of practice and attitude toward CVD risk factors ( p =.0001, p <.0001) Conclusions Although more than half of the current study participants had high knowledge and attitude toward CVD, their behaviors were not satisfactory. It is necessary to establish more effective educational interventions intended to promote positive health behaviors. Public health providers need to explain to the public that knowledge and proper actions regarding the reduction of risk factors are associated with reduced CVD and mortality.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among older individuals of rural Bangladesh: findings from a face-to-face interview

“…This finding aligns with previous studies that have also demonstrated a correlation between higher education levels and better understanding of CVDs (21,31,43). It stands to reason that individuals with greater educational attainment are exposed to more information about diseases, thereby fostering higher CVDs knowledge scores (18).…”

“…Investigating the attitudes of older individuals toward CVDs can provide valuable insights into their perceptions, beliefs, and potential barriers to effective prevention and management (17). To promote these positive attitudes, public health campaigns should underscore the benefits of prevention, raise awareness about the importance of regular check-ups, and offer education on the long-term advantages of treatment adherence (18).…”

Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Variations in the combination of the enabling factors of high prevalence, low awareness, and poor hypertension control calls for an urgent response in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target 3.4 on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) to lower hypertension prevalence or control BP through both improved prevention and improving early-stage treatment cascades [ 2 , 31 ]. The changing prevalence of hypertension in the UAE is mainly due to changing lifestyles with lower physical activity and a shift from a traditional diet that is high in fiber to energy-dense processed food high in fat, sugar, and salt [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Furthermore, studies consistently reported a significantly increased burden of overweight and obesity [ 35 ], metabolic syndrome [ 36 ], and cardiovascular risk factors [ 37 ] among the younger population in recent decades.…”

Assessment of Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors Among the Saudi Arabian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Additionally, the study’s cross-sectional design limits our ability to establish causation and temporal changes in knowledge and awareness levels cannot be fully captured. The sample primarily represents specific regions in Saudi Arabia, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to the entire population [ 14 , 15 ].…”