Abstract 14568: Recognition of Cardiovascular Disease Related Risk Factors, Eligibility and Completion of Recommended Health Checks Among Australian Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in women globally. Risk factors include hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidaemia, high body mass index (BMI), diabetes, poor mental health and health literacy. Early identification and management of risk factors is imperative, given that CVD in women is often under-recognised. Methods: Using selected social media platforms a survey was conducted among adult Australians (>18yrs) in 2019, evaluating knowledge of risk factors for CVD, eligibility and completion of Australian Guideline recommended health checks. Results: Amongst 229 respondents 77% (177/229) were women. 62% of women (111/177) and 71% of men (37/52) were under the age of 44 years. Women reported a mean of 5/12 risk factors and men reported a mean of 7/12 risk factors for CVD. Women were more likely to report family history compared to men (29.3%, 52/177; vs 9.61%, 5/52; p=0.001), hyperlipidaemia (29.3%, 52/177; vs 11.5%, 6/52; p=0.004), high BMI (37.85%, 67/177 vs 23%, 12/52 p=0.002), HTN (18%, 32/177; vs 5.76%, 3/52; p=0.015) and an unhealthy diet (35%, 62/177; vs 27%, 14/52; p=0.1382). Women were less likely to report inactivity (33% 59/177, vs 36.5%, 19.52; p=0.334). Smoking was the most frequently reported risk factor by both sexes (40.3%, 74/177 and 41.8%, 21/52; p=0.427). Fewer women were aware of eligibility for a blood pressure check (9.6%, 17/177; vs 11.5%, 6/52; p=0.341), cholesterol (13%, 9/66; vs 33%, 5/15; p=0.034) and weight check (0%, 0/177; vs 2%, 1/52; p=0.033). Awareness of eligibility for a diabetes check was similar between the sexes (12%, 8/66 in women vs 11%, 1/15 in men; p=0.272). More women had completed a blood pressure (71%, 126/177; vs 65%, 32/52; p=0.093) and weight check (34%, 61/177; vs 32%, 17/52; p=0.406) than men however less women had completed a cholesterol (52%, 34/66; vs 60%, 9/15; p=0.276) and diabetes check (21%, 14/66; vs 33%, 5/15; p=0.159). Conclusion: This pilot study found that knowledge of CVD risk factors and eligibility for health checks was low & risk factor profiles differed significantly between the sexes. Future studies evaluating a larger cohort are needed to further assess the significance of sex-based differences in awareness to risk factors, eligibility and completion of health checks.