Impact of the Mexican education system and age on basic knowledge about ischemic heart disease in the pre-COVID-19 era.

Abstract

To assess general population's knowledge about ischemic heart disease (IHD) and its relationship to years of schooling in Mexico. Analysis of surveys designed to measure knowledge about IHD applied in Mexico City. 530 surveys were analyzed. 51.7% were women. The median age was 43 years (IQR: 15-92) and the median of schooling was 18 years (IQR: 15-18). 64.5% of respondents scored less than 50% of correct answers. A slight increase in the knowledge level and years of study (p < 0.001) and age (p = 0.101) was observed, but with low correlation indexes (r = 0.215 and r = 0.071, respectively). Knowledge about IHD in general population is deficient and doesn't increase adequately neither with age nor academic studies. It is necessary to review our health education strategies.