Abstract
BackgroundHealth literacy on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) plays an effective role in preventing or delaying the disease onset as well as in impacting the efficacy of their management. In view of the projected low health literacy in Tanzania, we conducted this cross-sectional survey to assess for CVD risk knowledge and its associated factors among patient escorts.MethodsA total of 1063 caretakers were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. An adopted questionnaire consisting of 22 statements assessing various CVD risk behaviors was utilized for assessment of knowledge. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess for factors associated with poor knowledge of CVD risks.ResultsThe mean age was 40.5 years and women predominated (55.7%). Over two-thirds had a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2, 18.5% were alcohol drinkers, 3.2% were current smokers, and 47% were physically inactive. The mean score was 78.2 and 80.0% had good knowledge of CVD risks. About 16.3% believed CVDs are diseases of affluence, 17.4% thought CVDs are not preventable, and 56.7% had a perception that CVDs are curable. Low education (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.9–3.7, p < 0.001), lack of health insurance (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1–2.3, p = 0.03), and negative family history of CVD death (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.4–3.5, p < 0.001), were independently associated with poor CVD knowledge.ConclusionsIn conclusion, despite of a good level of CVD knowledge established in this study, a disparity between individual’s knowledge and self-care practices is apparent.
Highlights
Health literacy on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) plays an effective role in preventing or delaying the disease onset as well as in impacting the efficacy of their management
It is evident that health literacy of CVD risk factors plays a considerably effective role in preventing or delaying the onset of disease as well as in impacting the efficacy of their management [7,8,9,10]
Study population A total of 1063 individuals who escorted outpatients with established diagnosis of CVD were consecutively enrolled in this study
Summary
Health literacy on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) plays an effective role in preventing or delaying the disease onset as well as in impacting the efficacy of their management. Owing to urbanization and sedentary life-style adoption, several NCD risk factors (i.e. smoking, heavy drinking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and overweight) are increasingly widespread in SSA communities and are postulated to be the drivers of the rapidly growing CVD burden in the region [4,5,6]. By virtue of their chronic nature, CVDs are of long duration and generally slow in progression necessitating life-long care inevitably with continuous expenditure [3, 5]. Persons with low functional health literacy have been associated with diminished use of the health system, less likelihood of engaging in healthpromoting behaviors and poorer overall health outcomes [7,8,9,10]
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