The Perception of Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiac Catheterization in Saudi Arabia: “What the Public Know”

Abstract

Objective Coronary artery disease (CAD) constitutes a significant health hazard in middle-aged individuals in Saudi Arabia. We sought to assess the level of knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and describe the perception of coronary intervention among the general population in the city of Jeddah in the western part of Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Jeddah during the period from April 2019 to September 1, 2019, by using a structured online questionnaire to assess the participants' awareness of risk factors for CAD and coronary intervention. The survey included questions about socio-demographic data, risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, symptoms of heart attack, knowledge of coronary catheterizations, as well as resources of knowledge about coronary heart disease. Results The study included 984 participants. The majority of the participants had university diplomas (78.1%). Only 38.5 % were healthcare workers. Dyslipidemia and smoking were identified by 70.5% and 66.7%, respectively, as a recognized risk factor for CAD. Diabetes was mentioned by 32.1%. Participants without CAD risk factors had a significantly lower level of knowledge regarding the strong association between diabetes mellitus (DM) II and CAD (p-value=0.02). Healthcare professionals had a significantly lower level of knowledge regarding cardiac catheterization as compared to non-healthcare professionals. A higher percentage of healthcare professionals would agree to have cardiac catheterization if indicated (p-value=0.003). Awareness campaigns were the most common source of information for the public. Conclusion The current level of knowledge of CAD in the western part of Saudi Arabia is fair. National awareness campaigns are required to improve the level of healthcare education.

Public awareness of early symptoms of acute myocardial infarction among Saudi population

“…This result is consistent with other studies done in the region and other developing countries in Africa and East Asia. [ 8 10 11 12 13 14 ] Better results were, however, portrayed in similar studies done in developed countries. [ 15 16 ]…”

“…Low rates were reported multiple times in the Saudi literature in regards to awareness of smoking as a risk factor of CAD. [ 8 10 ] In a study conducted in the western region of Saudi Arabia, 66.7% of the population recognized smoking as a risk factor for CAD. [ 10 ] Furthermore, a recent study conducted in Jeddah reported an as low as 26% awareness regarding smoking as a risk for CAD.…”

“…[ 8 10 ] In a study conducted in the western region of Saudi Arabia, 66.7% of the population recognized smoking as a risk factor for CAD. [ 10 ] Furthermore, a recent study conducted in Jeddah reported an as low as 26% awareness regarding smoking as a risk for CAD. A study done in al Qassim region, however, showed a very high awareness rate of smoking as a risk factor reaching over 95%.…”

“…[ 11 ] Similarly, 72% and 71% of the population in our study recognized hypertension and hyperlipidemia as a risk for CAD, which is consistent with multiple studies done in the region as well. [ 10 13 19 ] However, higher rates ranging from 84% to 88% for HTN and DLP were reported in Oman and Lebanon. [ 11 20 ]…”

Awareness of Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors Among the Population of Taif City, Saudi Arabia

“…Studies on the risks and prevalence of CAD have been conducted for different cities in Saudi Arabia using cross-sectional methods, like studies in Qassim, Jeddah, Dawadmi, and Al-Qunfudah revealed that a large portion of the disease is associated with the diet of the population [7][8][9][10][11]. The sudden switch in dietary behavior from traditional to fast food severely impaired cardiovascular functions, causing them to become abnormal.…”