Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire Research Articles

Abstract 15069: Perceived Susceptibility to and Severity of Cardiovascular Disease is Associated With Intent to Change Behavior Among Women 25-55 Years Old

Background: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among young and middle-aged women have increased while knowledge and awareness of CVD remain low. To reverse these trends, it is important to assess whether knowledge and awareness of CVD are associated with intent to change behavior. Aims: Describe the relationship between stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of CVD among women 25-55 years and identify the predictors of stage of behavior change. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of women ages 25-55 living in the United States without a self-reported CVD history was conducted. Participants were recruited through flyers and social media campaigns. Awareness was measured with the question, “What is the leading cause of death for women in the United States?” Knowledge, perceptions, and stage of behavior change were measured with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire, Health Beliefs Related to CVD, and the Precaution Adoption Process Model surveys, respectively. All data were collected online via REDCap. Results: A total of 149, primarily minority women, were included (mean=37.15±7.86 years). Over half (53.7%) of the sample had not decided to make changes in their behavior to reduce their likelihood of CVD. A binary logistic regression of stage of behavior change on awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of CVD showed that the perception subscales of susceptibility and severity were significantly associated with intent to change behavior (OR 1.247, p<0.001 and OR .809, p=.004 respectively). Awareness and knowledge of CVD were not associated with stage of behavior change. There were no significant sociodemographic and health condition predictors of stage of behavior change, although susceptibility and severity remained significant when controlling for these covariates (OR 1.242, p=.002 and OR=.801, p=.004, respectively). Conclusions: Young and middle-aged women who believed that they were susceptible to CVD and did not perceive CVD as a serious condition were more likely to report an intent to change their behavior to reduce their risk of CVD. These may be key factors to leverage when educating young and middle-aged women on heart disease in order to facilitate heart healthy behaviors.

Awareness of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors by Community Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia.

Pharmacists in community settings are recognized as highly accessible healthcare practitioners and demonstrate a crucial role in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Evidence indicates that community pharmacists can make a significant impact on controlling cardiovascular disease risk factors, particularly on hypertension. We aimed to assess the knowledge of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia regarding cardiovascular disease risk factors. A cross-sectional study involving community pharmacists was conducted. The knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors was assessed with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ). A web link for an anonymous questionnaire was shared with the licensed community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia using the "Seha" platform of the Ministry of Health. Data analysis was performed with R version 4.0.5. Three hundred seventy-four community pharmacists responded to the questionnaire. Many community pharmacists (94.4%) had satisfactory awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The odds of having satisfactory HDFQ knowledge for community pharmacists seeing more than 20 individuals with diabetes per month were 20 times (AOR = 19.9, 95% CI: 1.73-260, and p = 0.019) more compared to those seeing fewer than 10 individuals with diabetes per month. The age of the community pharmacists and the average number of individuals with diabetes seen per month were found to be factors associated with satisfactory HDFQ knowledge. The practicing pharmacists had a substantial understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors. In line with counseling and education, the implementation of community pharmacy models for improving the knowledge of pharmacists, particularly the young pharmacists, is needed to effectively assist patients with cardiovascular disease.

Psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) in people with diabetes in Iran

Background and aimsPublic health and clinic-based educational strategies are desperately needed to stem the tide of death from heart disease among people with diabetes in low and middle-income countries. This study translated the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire into Persian and evaluated its reliability and validity for use in Iran. MethodsUsing rigorous translation methods, the 25-item scale was administered to Persian speakers with diabetes. The scale was evaluated for content validity, construct validity and reliability. ResultsParticipants were 268 patients with diabetes with mean age of 63.19 ± 16.61 years. The mean HDFQ score was 17.31 ± 5.11 (in the low range). Higher scores were associated with younger age, younger age of diabetes onset, higher education, higher employment position, family history of diabetes and hypertension, shorter diabetes duration, and adherence to home exercise regimens. Kuder–Richardson's reliability coefficient was good, i.e., 0.82. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the factor loadings of all questions, except question number 25, were favorable, i.e., >0.3. Model fit indices were favorable: Chi-square statistic to degree of freedom ratio (χ2⁄df) = 1.82, Comparative fit index = 0.96, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.96 and root mean square error = 0.06. ConclusionAfter removing item #25, the Persian heart disease fact questionnaire has good validity and reliability and can be used to inform and evaluate clinical and public health educational programs aimed at decreasing risk for heart disease among Persian speakers with diabetes.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the heart disease fact questionnaire among the Brazilian population.

This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese. The Brazilian version of the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire was developed through the processes of translation, back-translation, review committee, and pre-test. Test-retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient and the kappa coefficient. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha. For construct validity, the total Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire score was correlated with the Diabetes Knowledge Scale and the Diabetes Attitudes Questionnaire. Ceiling and floor effects were also evaluated in this study. For construct validity and floor and ceiling effect measurements, a total of 100 participants were selected. Reliability was measured using a sub-sample of 30 participants from the total sample. We identified adequate values of reliability (kappa between 0.22 and 1.00 and ICC=0.75) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.79). We observed adequate correlations of the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire score with Diabetes Knowledge Scale (r=0.348) and Diabetes Attitudes Questionnaire (r=0.136). No ceiling or floor effects found. Brazilian Portuguese version of the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire has adequate psychometric properties according to the best scientific recommendations.

Knowledge about the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Visiting the Outpatient Clinics at Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: One of the primary goals of diabetes management is to prevent cardiovascular events. The rate of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is significantly high in the diabetic population. Inadequate knowledge of CVDs risk in diabetes may result in the failure of its early prevention, causing increased morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the CVD risk knowledge and determine the predictors of the knowledge among adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the study objectives. Convenience sampling was used to recruit adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) who visited the King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) outpatient clinics. Data were collected using the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire. SPSS software (version 24.0) was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 383 patients were recruited. The level of CVD risk knowledge was high among all participants (19.04 ± 3.47). There were significant differences in knowledge scores between different groups, including age (p = 0.01), marital status (p = 0.01), and type of residence (p = 0.04). Participants who were older than 40 years, married, and lived in traditional houses had higher knowledge scores. Conclusion: The study findings indicated a high level of CVD risk knowledge in our study population. The presence of multidisciplinary intensive education programmes targeting type 2 DM patients, such as that conducted at KSUMC, might be responsible for the higher levels of knowledge among our study population. Thus, increasing the efforts towards the education of patients will improve the level of knowledge, including CVD risk knowledge.

Effectiveness of an Educational Program through Mobile Health Application on Knowledge and Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle in Cardiac Syndrome X Patients

Background: Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is a form of ischemic heart disease with functional coronary microvascular abnormalities. The symptoms are often debilitating and sufferers have a poor quality of life, with costly demand for healthcare services. Therefore, an educational intervention contributes to the increase of knowledge about CSX risk factors and adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of educational interventions on knowledge and adherence to a healthy lifestyle in CSX Patients. Methods: A simple, two-arm, parallel, randomized control trial was conducted in the Heart Clinic on 100 CSX outpatients who were selected through randomized sampling and divided into experimental (n=50) and control (n=50) groups. This study assessed an educational program that has been provided through the Mobile Health application (mHealth app) to the experimental group. The data were collected using the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) and Adherence to a Healthy lifestyle questionnaire (AHLQ). Results: In the intervention group, the difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of knowledge on CSX risk factors was statistically significant (SD=1.77; P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between pre-test and post-test means scores in the control group (SD=3.12; P>0.05). Conclusion: Patients with CSX have high morbidity and health care expenditure; therefore, the provision of an educational program through the mHealth app as well as lifestyle modification can be considered a highly effective and low-cost intervention contributing to an increase of knowledge about CSX risk factors in patients and adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

Tools for Assessing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Underserved Young Adult Populations: A Systematic Review.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD, i.e., disease of the heart and blood vessels) is a major cause of death globally. Current assessment tools use either clinical or non-clinical factors alone or in combination to assess CVD risk. The aim of this review was to critically appraise, compare, and summarize existing non-clinically based tools for assessing CVD risk factors in underserved young adult (18–34-year-old) populations. Two online electronic databases—PubMed and Scopus—were searched to identify existing risk assessment tools, using a combination of CVD-related keywords. The search was limited to articles available in English only and published between January 2008 and January 2019. Of the 10,383 studies initially identified, 67 were eligible. In total, 5 out of the 67 articles assessed CVD risk in underserved young adult populations. A total of 21 distinct CVD risk assessment tools were identified; six of these did not require clinical or laboratory data in their estimation (i.e., non-clinical). The main non-clinically based tools identified were the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire, the Health Beliefs Related to CVD-Perception measure, the Healthy Eating Opinion Survey, the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale, and the WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease factor surveillance (i.e., the STEPS instrument).

Assessment of Cardiovascular Diseases Knowledge and Risk Factors Among Adult Population in the South Region of Saudi Arabia

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality and disability worldwide. This study aimed to assess knowledge of cardiovascular disease and risk factors among the adult population in the south region of Saudi Arabia. A web-based cross-sectional survey of 1,049 participants was completed during August 2021. Data were collected by using 25-item heart disease fact questionnaire. The study population included 526 men (50.1%) and 523 women (49.9%) with a mean age of 36 ± 12 years. The average total knowledge score was 65.7 ± 20.80. The items with the highest knowledge were smoking, overweight, aging, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and family history. Findings revealed that knowledge regarding cardiovascular diseases is inadequate with a high prevalence of risk factors among the Saudi Arabian population. Healthcare professionals and organizations have a crucial role in raising public awareness regarding health promotion, regular screening, and lifestyles modifications. Interventional studies are needed to investigate the actual magnitude of CVDs and counteract them.

Self-perceived heart disease risk assessment in patients with hypertension

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The University of Adelaide supported fieldwork Introduction Heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The risk of heart disease is significantly high among patients with hypertension. However, patients’ poor understanding of their risk even further intensifies the risk of heart disease. Therefore it is crucial to improve patients’ understanding of their lifetime risk and applying a healthy lifestyle, to reduce the risk of heart disease. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore self-perceived heart disease risk and knowledge of heart disease risk factors in patients with hypertension. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension who attended follow up care clinics at two referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using two validated instruments (ABCD risk questionnaire for assessment of self-perceived risk and heart disease fact questionnaire for assessment of knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, and descriptive and correlation analysis were conducted. Results A total of 203 patients were included in the study, 60% of them were females, and the mean age was 50 ± 9 years. The majority 143 (70.4%) perceived their future heart disease risk as low, however 60 (29.6%) perceived their future chance of developing heart disease as moderate. The mean heart disease risk factors knowledge score was 72.3 + 13.7, and more than half (57%) had optimal knowledge of heart disease risk factors (scored ≥70%), whereas, the remaining 43% had sub-optimal knowledge. Moreover, there is a statistically significant positive association between self-perceived heart disease risk and knowledge of heart disease risk factors (r = 0.28, p= 0.00). Conclusion Despite being at high risk, many patients with hypertension underestimate the chance of developing heart disease in their lifetime. Implementation of interventions to promote healthy lifestyle behaviour is crucial to prevent heart disease risk as well as to improve patient’s understanding of these risks.

Cardiovascular disease knowledge, risk factors, and resilience among US veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of hospitalization and disability among the US veterans. Information about CVD knowledge and risk factors, and connection between psychological health and CVD among veterans transitioning from the military are limited. We examined the existing knowledge of CVD and its risk factors among the US veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the relationship between knowledge, risk factors, resilience, and PTSD. A total of 104 veterans participated in our study by responding to the Primary Care PTSD Screen for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) knowledge scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10. Data were extracted from the online Qualtrics survey software into SPSS (v. 25) for analysis. Mean age was 52.3 years, mostly males (85.6%), married (72.1%), employed (54.8%), and with college education. Most were in the Navy or Air Force (72.1%) and served in a war (68.0%). Hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity were the most common CVD risk factors reported. Average CVD knowledge score was 85%. Marines scored higher on resilience than other branches of the military. Seventeen percent reported having PTSD. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 was significantly correlated with the HDFQ in the probable PTSD group (r = .589, p = .013). Our study provides information about the knowledge and risk factors of CVD among veterans and insights about interventions needed to improve CV health. Nurse practitioners should assess the CV and psychological health of veterans and screen for PTSD to provide appropriate care and referral.

Patients' knowledge on cardiovascular risk factors and associated lifestyle behaviour in Ethiopia in 2018: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is posing a major public health challenge globally. Evidence reports significant gaps in knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with CVD. Despite the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in developing countries, there is limited data available to improve the awareness of this area, which is crucial for the implementation of prevention programs.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in two referral hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia from June-September 2018. Outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis cardiovascular conditions were eligible for participation in the study. A convenience sampling technique was used. The primary outcome of the study was knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with cardiovascular disease. The knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors was measured using a validated instrument (heart disease fact questionnaire). A score less than 70% was defined as suboptimal knowledge. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the relationship between knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and explanatory variables.ResultsA total of 287 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 47±11yrs and 56.4% of patients were females. More than half of patients (54%) had good knowledge on cardiovascular risk factors (scored>70%), whilst 46% demonstrated suboptimal knowledge levels in this area. Urban residency was associated with higher cardiovascular risk factors knowledge scores, whereas, never married and no formal education or lower education were identified as predictors of lower knowledge scores. There was no statistically significant association between knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and actual cumulative risk behaviour.ConclusionAlmost half of CVD patients in Ethiopia have suboptimal knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk factors. Residence, education level and marital status were associated with knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors. Implementation of innovative interventions and structured, nurse-led lifestyle counselling would be required to effectively guide patients in developing lifestyle modification and achieve sustainable behaviour change.

Awareness and Level of Knowledge in Preventing Coronary Heart Disease Among Community Sample

CHD is ranked number one as a cause of death in non-communicable diseases in Indonesia. The increasing number of people with CHD not only having an impact on mortality rates also an increase in health care needs. Adequate knowledge of the disease contributes to an accurate understanding of the disease and improves adherence to a healthy lifestyle to prevent CHD. This study aims to analyze the awareness and level of community knowledge in preventing CHD. This research was a quantitative research with descriptive analytic method. Awareness and level of knowledge about CHD were evaluated using The Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire. In this study, a total of 60 respondents were obtained through a Cluster Random Sampling in the population of people who have not been diagnosed with CHD in the Village of Timpag, Tabanan Regency, Bali. The main results of this study indicated that awareness and knowledge of the highest risk factors are smoking (89.1%) followed by a factor of high cholesterol (86.6%) and high LDL cholesterol levels (86.3%) and uncontrolled blood pressure (85.9%) and overweight (82.4%). Conversely, risk factors for diabetes (50.7%), HDL cholesterol levels (52.1%), and physical activity (53.5%) received less attention. This study found that the majority of respondents were aware of and have adequate knowledge about CHD risk factors. The results of this study can add information in the development of health promotion materials or policies as an effort to prevent CHD. Further research with a larger population needs to be done to increase public awareness of CHD.
 Index Terms— Awareness, Coronary Heart Disease, Level of Knowledge

Public knowledge and perception of heart disease: A cross-sectional study of two communities in Delta State, Nigeria

Background: Knowledge gaps and misperception of heart disease and its risk factors are significant roadblocks to effective prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of heart disease and its risk factors among adults in Delta State, Nigeria. Method: Cross-sectional study of adults recruited from Jesse and Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. The study questionnaire was adapted from the heart disease fact questionnaire (HDFQ). Respondents with knowledge scores

Validity and reliability of the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ): a Rasch measurement model approach

AimThe aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of Turkish version of the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) as a measure to evaluate heart disease risk knowledge in individuals with diabetes. MethodsThis study was conducted in the primary care clinic on 326 individuals with type 2 diabetes. The Davis Method, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and the Rasch Measurement Model used in the validity and reliability analyses. ResultsThe validity analysis results showed Turkish version of HDFQ was content valid. The results of CFA showed the index results were very good fit. All items of the scale and the HDFQ were fit to the Rasch model and the items did not contain any differential item function. Person Separation Index showed HDFQ is reliable tool. ConclusionsThe Rasch Model provides an alternative way in dealing with the challenges faced in classic methods and it is recommended to be used in health sciences. Thus, the results of this study are important. Results show that the Turkish version of the HDFQ can be used for determining awareness of heart disease risk as well as for assessing the effectiveness of implemented interventions among individuals with diabetes.

Cardiovascular Risk, Risk Knowledge, and Related Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Individuals with diabetes must be informed about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which is the most important cause of mortality of diabetes, and the interventions should be planned according to their risk status. The aim of this study was to investigate cardiovascular risk, risk knowledge, and related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 188 participants were included in this descriptive study. Data were collected using Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) and Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) Calculator. Spearman test and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Participants did not have sufficient knowledge related to CVD risk factors, and they were in the moderate CVD risk group. CVD risk was lower in subjects with high level of knowledge regarding CVD risk and lower duration of diabetes. Our findings highlight the need for interventions related to CVD, which can reduce its risk. These interventions can be specifically targeted at individuals with advanced age, a long duration of diabetes, low education level, and decreased metabolic control.

Patient-Centered Care: Lifestyle Modifications Among Adult Participants With Dyslipidemia.

Dyslipidemia, a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), is a burden due to morbidity, mortality, and CHD-related costs. Patient-centered clinical interventions improve adherence to lifestyle modifications among adults with dyslipidemia. The study's objectives were to (a) promote participants' safety through increased knowledge on the risks and prevention of CHD, (b) help participants identify their own barriers to lifestyle modifications, and (c) develop strategies with participants on individualized plans to adhere to healthy living. Seventeen participants with dyslipidemia enrolled in a quality improvement over 6 weeks. Participants were from one employee health clinic in Mississippi. Measures are Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ), Framingham Tool, pre- and poststudy lipid panels, and physiologic measurements. Interventions include motivational technique-led interviews as a tool for behavioral change. Pre- and post-HDFQ responses indicated an 18% increase in knowledge attainment because of the patient-centered care interventions. Postinterventions, mean plasma lipid panels were 29% lower, weight loss ranged from 0 to 10.1 pounds, and body mass indexes were 0.4 to 1.2 less. Blood pressures (BPs) preintervention ranged from 120/70 to 159/89. Postinterventions BP ranged from 107/82 to 146/70. Patient-centered clinical interventions improve management of dyslipidemia through increased knowledge on risks and prevention of CHD and also through finding own barriers to healthy living. Healthcare providers can make a difference in people's lives through exploring the unhealthy behaviors and discovering ways for better health outcomes.

Knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and practice of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease by Community Pharmacists in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Background Studies in international literature have shown that Community Pharmacists can make considerable impact in controlling cardiovascular disease risk factors, especially hypertension. In Nigeria, there are no studies on the knowledge of CVD risk factors by Community Pharmacists and their practice of primary prevention. Objective To assess the knowledge of CVD risk factors and practice of primary prevention of CVD amongst Nigerian community pharmacists. Setting Community Pharmacists in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 168 Community Pharmacists. Their knowledge of CVD risk factors was assessed with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire. Their opportunistic screening practices for CVD risk factors (primary prevention) were also assessed. Main outcome measures Knowledge of CVD risk factors and practice of primary CVD prevention. Results The mean age of the participating pharmacists was 41.7 (± 11.2) years and 87 (51.8%) of them were males. The median number of years of practice was 9.0 (3–15) years. Mean knowledge score was 22.1 (± 3.0) with 154 (91.7%) of the subjects scoring above 70%. An average of 95.5% of the participants correctly identified hypertension, smoking, dyslipidaemia, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes as CVD risk factors. Eighty-one (48.2%) had good practice of primary CVD prevention. Conclusion: This study shows that Community Pharmacists in Nigeria have very good knowledge level of CVD risk factors and almost 50% of them practised primary prevention of CVD.

Translation and adaptation of the French version of the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire – Rheumatoid Arthritis (HDFQ-RA 1&2)

ObjectivesRheumatoid arthritis constitutes a cardiovascular risk factor as significant as diabetes, yet remains insufficiently managed. The Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire – Rheumatoid Arthritis (HDFQ-RA1&2) is a self-questionnaire that assesses patients’ general knowledge about cardiovascular risk and more specifically associated with rheumatoid arthritis and its treatments. Objectives are to translate and adapt the HDFQ-RA into French and assess its psychometric properties in order for it to be used as instructional material by nurses in therapeutic education. MethodsThe questionnaire was translated into French and subsequently back-translated into English pursuant to the “Guidelines for the process of cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures”. Psychometric properties were evaluated in a sample of 60 rheumatoid arthritis patients (test–retest procedure) between June and December 2013. Item content, factor analysis, and Kuder–Richardson's-alpha were used to evaluate acceptability, internal consistency, and reproducibility. ResultsA culturally acceptable version for French patients was obtained. Cronbach's-alpha coefficient was higher than the usual recommended value of 0.6. Reproducibility was good (agreements measured by Kappa's coefficient >0.56 [recommended value=0.4]). Results showed that knowledge of cardiovascular risk was generally satisfactory (rate of correct responses ≥60%), but specific knowledge of the cardiovascular risk associated with rheumatoid arthritis remained poor, e.g. knowledge of the increased risk associated with rheumatoid arthritis (40% correct responses), higher risk with active rheumatoid arthritis, adverse effect of rheumatoid arthritis on lipid profile and the effects of corticosteroids and NSAIDs on cardiovascular risk. ConclusionsThe French-HDFQ-RA is valid for assessing patient knowledge of cardiovascular risk in general and associated with rheumatoid arthritis and its treatments.

Efetividade da intervenção educativa no conhecimento de homens relacionado às doenças cardiovasculares

Resumo Objetivo Comparar o conhecimento sobre fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares antes e após intervenção educativa realizada com homens metalúrgicos. Métodos Estudo de intervenção, realizado com 135 metalúrgicos, com idades entre 18 e 70 anos. O conhecimento sobre doenças cardiovasculares foi determinado pelo questionário Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ-2). Foram utilizados testes t de Student para amostras independentes e de Mann-Whitney, na comparação entre grupos, e testes t de Student para amostras dependentes e de Wilcoxon, na avaliação pareada. Resultados Tanto no grupo intervenção quanto no controle houve aumento estatisticamente significativo de 1,4 pontos na média do conhecimento entre o momento de base e o de seguimento. Conclusão A intervenção educativa, realizada em grupo, no local de trabalho e em horário de almoço, mostrou-se uma estratégia possível e eficaz para aumentar o conhecimento de homens sobre fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares.

Validation of the Knowledge and Perception of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Questionnaires for College Students.

To test the psychometric properties of two measures of knowledge and perception of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs). A methodological study using a modified version of the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) and the Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease (HBCVD) questionnaires was administered to 100 college-aged students. The HDFQ Kuder-Richardson-20 reliability estimate was .73. The HBCVD Cronbach's alpha was .70. Principal component analysis demonstrated the HBCVD questions load onto components representing the perceived susceptibility and severity of CRFs. There was an inverse relationship between knowledge and perception of CRFs (ρ = -.26, p = .009), as knowledge increased, perception of risk decreased. The HDFQ and HBCVD questionnaires had adequate internal consistency reliability and documented construct validity for use in college students.