Degree and correlates of cardiac knowledge and awareness among cardiac inpatients

Abstract

Objective To investigate the degree of CHD awareness as well as symptom, risk factor, and treatment knowledge in a broad sample of cardiac inpatients, and to examine its sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial correlates. Methods 1308 CHD inpatients (351 [27.0%] female), recruited from 11 acute care sites in Ontario, participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were provided with a survey which included a knowledge questionnaire among other measures, and clinical data were extracted from medical charts. Results 855 (68.8%) respondents cited heart disease as the leading cause of death in men, versus only 458 (37.0%) in women. Participants with less than high school education ( p < .001), an annual family income less than $50,000CAD ( p = .022), low functional capacity ( p = .042), who were currently smoking ( p = .022), who had no family history of heart disease ( p < .001), and who had a perception of low personal control ( p = .033) had significantly lower CHD knowledge. Conclusions Awareness of CHD is not optimal, especially among women, South Asians, and those of low socioeconomic status. CHD patients have a moderate level of disease knowledge overall, but greater education is needed. Practice implications Tailored educational approaches may be necessary for those of low socioeconomic status, particularly with regard to the nature of CHD, tests and treatments.