Abstract
BackgroundPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an emerging problem in Sri Lanka, particularly with the ageing population. A considerable number of patients are detected at a late stage with severe limb ischemia or chronic non-healing leg ulceration. Public awareness about PAD is important in developing preventive strategies.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted to assess awareness of PAD among adults aged 40–74 years in a district in Sri Lanka. In total, 2912 adults were selected for the study using a multistage probability proportionate to size sampling technique. Data were collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Participants who were aware of PAD were asked about common risk factors, possible consequences of untreated PAD, and sources of information. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent predictors of PAD awareness.ResultsWe found that 4.1 % of participants were aware of PAD (95 % confidence interval: 3.4–4.8), which was significantly lower than awareness of other cardiovascular diseases such as cerebrovascular accidents (67.3 %) and myocardial infarction (57.6 %) (p < 0.001). Being male, an urban resident, and having a higher level of education were independent predictors of high PAD awareness.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that a comprehensive PAD awareness program that covers risk factors, consequences, and preventative strategies is needed to enhance public awareness of PAD.
Highlights
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an emerging problem in Sri Lanka, with the ageing population
There were no significant differences in awareness of PAD by age group or level of income (p > 0.05)
There were no significant differences in awareness of PAD among current smokers, those who had intermittent claudication, or those with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, or dyslipidemia (P > 0.05)
Summary
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an emerging problem in Sri Lanka, with the ageing population. Public awareness about PAD is important in developing preventive strategies. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in developed countries [1] and is an emerging problem in developing countries [2, 3]. The Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus reported the prevalence of PAD in European population studies ranged from 3.6 to 9.2 %, and was 10–20 % in those aged over 70 years [4]. A recent study in Sri Lanka found the age- and sex-standardized prevalence of PAD was 3.6 %, and there was significant increasing trend with age [3]. PAD is a major cause of disability, loss of employment, and lifestyle changes, and is a marker for systemic
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