Community awareness of myocardial infarction in Bisha region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Early seeking medical advice can save the lives of many people in our community. This study aimed at assessing the community awareness of causes, risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures of myocardial infarction (MI) in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Also, to spread health culture regarding preventive measures and early seek of medical advice in our community. Methods: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bisha town in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 556 people have been selected randomly to participate in the study. Data were collected through the "Online Survey," which contained eight questions that assessed the knowledge about MI among the community in Bisha, and feedback on their response was offered to correct the wrong answer and promote the right answers. Data analysis by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23. Results: A total of 566 participants were included in this study. Regarding age, 360 (63.3.%) participants were 18-40 years old, while 206 (36.4%) were 41 years and older. Regarding gender, 291 (51.4%) of the participants were male, while 275 (48.6%) were female. 8 (1.4%) participants had a primary school education, 10 (1.8%) had intermediate school education, 91 (16.1%) had a high school education, 426 (75.3%) had a university education, and 31 (5.5%) had other levels of education. A significant association was observed between age and knowledge of MI (p = 0.025). Conclusion: This study's outcome showed relatively limited knowledge of MI symptoms among the Bisha community.