Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Research Articles

The effectiveness of planned discharge education on health knowledge and beliefs in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a randomized controlled trial.

To the best of our knowledge, no other studies investigated acute myocardial infarction patients' beliefs and knowledge level after the discharge education. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of planned discharge education on the beliefs and knowledge levels of CVD risk factors, medication compliance, dietary compliance, and individual follow-up in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A double-blind randomized controlled study was carried out with 100 AMI patients. All participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 50) and control groups (n = 50). The first evaluation of all participants in both groups was on the day of discharge. Both groups were re-evaluated after 4weeks. Patients' beliefs on medication, diet, and individual monitoring were assessed by the Beliefs about Medication Compliance Scale (BMCS), the Beliefs about Dietary Compliance Scale (BDCS), and the Beliefs about Individual Follow-up Scale (BIFS), respectively. The knowledge of CVD risk factors was questioned with the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) Scale. The mean age of the patients was 59.10 ± 9.38years in the intervention group and 58.86 ± 9.19 in the control group. After the planned discharge education, beliefs and knowledge levels of CVD risk factors, medication compliance, dietary compliance, and individual follow-up were significantly increased compared with the control group. Planned discharge education had a positive effect on the knowledge level of cardiovascular diseases risk factors, drug compliance, nutritional compliance, and individual follow-up in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Knowledge among Monolingual Hispanics.

Hispanics in the United States have worse cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor profiles than non-Hispanic Whites. Cardiovascular health literacy is important for health promotion but is not well characterized among monolingual Spanish-speaking Hispanics outside of health care settings. We recruited Hispanic participants (N=235) from a community-based health fair in Denver, Colorado. A total of 182 participants (77%) completed a subsequent language-congruent telephone survey to assess CVD risk-factor knowledge. Of these, 174 self-identified as monolingual Spanish-speaking, and constituted the analysis cohort. Cardiovascular disease risk knowledge score was defined as the number of established risk factors an individual participant could name (out of 10 pre-specified), and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine factors independently associated with knowledge. The mean knowledge score for the cohort was 2.2 ± 1.1 out of 10. This suggests an unmet need for tailored educational interventions beyond simple screening events.

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Knowledge and Behaviors Among Low-Income Urban Women in Mysore, India.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death among women globally. Cardiovascular disease-related events are more common in older women compared with men and are more likely to result in death. Although research in high-income countries suggests that women have unique sociobiological CVD risk factors, only a few study authors have examined risk factor knowledge among women from low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess CVD risk factor knowledge among low-income urban Indian women. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a nonprobability sample of 607 slum-dwelling women, 40 to 64 years old, living in Mysore, India, between October 2017 and May 2018. Participants underwent an interviewer-administered questionnaire measuring demographics, CVD risk factor knowledge, and medical history. Cardiovascular disease risk factor knowledge was low in this population and was associated with age, education, income, and caste. Approximately half of the participants (47%) answered less than 50% of the questions correctly, and a third had knowledge scores greater than 70%, which we defined as "good knowledge." Only 4 of 7 traditional CVD risk factors (ie, physical activity, smoking, overweight, and high cholesterol) were recognized by greater than half of the participants. The lowest knowledge levels were among older single women with no education and monthly household incomes less than Rs 3000 (approximately US $42). Previous research among slum dwellers in India reported a high prevalence of modifiable CVD risk factors compared with more affluent urban peers. Interventions aimed at CVD risk factor knowledge may be an important first step in controlling heart disease in this vulnerable population.

4036The knowledge as the determinant of the adherence to antihypertensive treatment

Abstract Introduction The education of the patients with cardio-vascular diseases aims to modify the present risk factors and to increase the aware participation in the therapy. Arterial hypertension is one of the most common modifiable risk factors of cardio-vascular diseases. However, the knowledge of the self-care and adherence to therapeutic recommendations are highly disappointing. Understanding people's levels of knowledge on cardiovascular risk factors and its relation to level of adherence in antihypertensive treatment might contribute effectively to medical staff efforts to prevent, treat and control the disease. The aim of the study was analysis of the knowledge of the cardio-vascular risk factors and the adherence to therapeutic recommendations. Material and methods 101 patients (mean age 57.5±13.2) with arterial hypertension (stage I and II according to ESC) were enrolled into the study. The following questionnaires were used: Morisky's Self-Reported Measure of Medication Adherence (MMAS-8-Item), Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (Hill-Bone Scale) and The Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level Scale (CARRF). Results 41% of the patients had worse knowledge of the cardio-vascular risk factors. In comparative analysis there were the significant differences in adherence to treatment with regards to the knowledge according to CRRRF questionnaire. The patients with better knowledge had the best adherence, which diminished along with worsening the knowledge (19.0±3.5 vs 18.3±3.7 vs 16.6±4.1). The increase of the knowledge by one point in scale CARRF-KL was accompanied by the increase of the adherence by 0.14 point (mean). The relations between knowledge and adherence was observed in terms of the treatment (8.3±2.0 vs 10.1±5.0 vs 8.9±3.5; p=0.003) and the global results of Hill-Bone questionnaire (19.5±4.4 vs 22.7±7.3). The relation between the knowledge and the adherence in terms of salt intake or control check-ups was not proved. In multiple regression analysis the knowledge was significant independent determinant, which influenced the adherence in terms of the treatment MMAS (b= 0.253; p=0.0004) Conclusions Adherence to therapeutic recommendations is related to the knowledge of the cardio-vascular risk factors, i.e. the better knowledge, the better adherence. The knowledge is the independent predictor of adherence to treatment in patients with arterial hypertension. The identification of knowledge deficits as a factor contributing to lack of adherence and poor hypertension control remains a key challenge for clinicians caring for patients with hypertension.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Knowledge Level in Nursing Students

Objective: In recent years, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD-related deaths have been increasing in the young population in Turkey. Nursing students should be informed about CVD and should reduce their own risk of this disease. This study was conducted to determine the impact of the knowledge of CVD risk factors among nursing students on the results of risk assessments.Methods: The population of study, which had a cross-sectional design, was composed of 587 students in nursing school at one university. The sample comprised 351 students who volunteered to take part in this study. The data were collected using the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) Scale, The Students’ CVD Risk Factors Information Form, a physician scale, a tape measure, a digital blood pressure monitor, a glucometer and cholesterol and triglyceride measuring devices.Results: The majority of the students (77.2%) were female, and the mean age was 20.77 years. The CARRF-KL Scale scores of the participants were low. In a significant majority of the sample, the anthropometric measurement results, blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse rate, blood glucose level, cholesterol level, and triglyceride level were within normal limits. As the knowledge level of CVD risk factors increased among the students, the blood glucose and cholesterol levels decreased.Conclusion: Although they were in the minority, some of the nursing students in the sample had an increased risk of CVD. Health screening programs should be performed more often at institutions that educate health professionals. Strategies for reducing the CVD risk in the risk students should be conducted, and these students should be monitored closely.

Knowledge of cardiovascular disease in South African HIV-positive surgical patients – A pilot survey

Background: Medical and surgical HIV-positive patients are at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Surgical patients are admitted to hospital for a few days around the time of their surgeries, allowing sufficient opportunity for health promotion interventions. Health promotion could improve CVD knowledge and encourage lifelong healthy behaviours. However, this approach requires that baseline CVD knowledge first be established. This study sought to determine the knowledge of CVD in HIV-positive South African (SA) surgical patients. Methods: This was a prospective pilot survey of HIVpositive surgical patients who attended a tertiary hospital in Durban, South Africa, between 1 October 2016 and 31 March 2017. Patients completed 2 questionnaires: (1) a demographic characteristics questionnaire, and (2) a CVD knowledge questionnaire (identifying risk factors and signs/symptoms of myocardial infarction and stroke). All data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: The study sample consisted of 39 HIV-positive surgical patients. Correct responses for the items on the CVD knowledge questionnaire ranged between 0.0% and 61.5% for risk factors, and between 0.0% and 89.7% for signs/symptoms. Conclusion: Knowledge of CVD risk factors and signs/ symptoms in this study was less than desirable. Levels of CVD knowledge are likely a function of educational attainment.

Effect of Knowledge About Cardiovascular Diseases on Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Among Freshmen of Zagazig University: An Intervention Study

Background:Educating the younger population about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and promoting their healthy lifestyle behavior are essential preventive approaches.Objective:To assess the knowledge about CVDs and healthy lifestyle behavior among freshmen college students, before and after the application of an educational program.Methods:A pre-test/post-test 6-month interventional educational study was conducted on first-year, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University students. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) and Healthy Lifestyle Behavior (HLSBS-II) scales were completed by the students before and after the intervention. The intervention included lectures, group discussions, and the participants’ preparation of action plans to change unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.Results:In the pre-intervention phase, 58.3% of the participants had “adequate” knowledge about CVDs and their mean total HLSBS-II score was 98.35 ± 6.50. Following the intervention, 99.2% of the participants acquired “adequate” knowledge about CVDs, with significant improvement in all aspects of the CARRF-KL score, p < 0.001. The “health responsibility” and “nutritional habits” subscale scores of the HLSBS-II improved significantly, p < 0.01. Participants with CVDs and/or positive family history had significantly higher total mean CARRF-KL scores than those without personal or family history of CVDs, p < 0.05. The total CARRF-KL showed a significant positive correlation with “health responsibility” and “nutritional habits” HLSBS-II subscales (p < 0.05).Conclusion:The applied educational program effectively improved the participants’ knowledge about CVDs and empowered them to improve their health responsibility and nutritional habits. Health education and promotion programs should be implemented and integrated within the curriculum of university students.

Randomized Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Recent Preeclampsia.

Background: To reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, we tested an online intervention to improve healthy lifestyle for women with recent preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled 9-month clinical trial, Heart Health 4 Moms (HH4M), among 151 U.S. women with preeclampsia within 5 years. Sample size was planned to detect differences of 0.5 standard deviation units in primary outcomes between study arms. Preeclampsia history was validated by medical records; women with chronic hypertension were excluded. The intervention included online educational modules, a community forum, and communication with a lifestyle coach. The control group received internet links to CVD risk reduction information. Primary outcomes were self-efficacy to eat a healthy diet and increase physical activity; change in physical in/activity; adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet; and knowledge of and personal control over CVD risk. Secondary outcomes were weight and blood pressure. Results: In the intervention arm, 84% of participants accessed at least one online educational module; 89% completed at least three scheduled calls with the coach. At 9 months, intervention participants reported significantly greater knowledge of CVD risk factors (corrected p = 0.01), increased self-efficacy for healthy eating (p = 0.03), and less physical inactivity than controls (p = 0.0006). The groups did not differ in sense of personal control of CVD risk factors, adherence to the DASH diet, self-efficacy for physical activity, or reported physical activity. There were no differences in secondary outcomes between groups. Conclusions: The HH4M program improved CVD risk knowledge, self-efficacy to achieve a healthy diet, and reduced physical inactivity among women with recent preeclampsia.

OR21-4 Heart Health 4 Moms: A Randomized Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Recent Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is associated with a 2 to 3-fold increased risk for future maternal cardiovascular disease (CVD).To reduce CVD risk and overcome participation barriers, we tested an online intervention to promote a healthy lifestyle among women with recent preeclampsia. METHODS: We conducted a 9-month randomized controlled trial among 151 US women with preeclampsia within the prior 5 years. Preeclampsia history was validated by medical record review for new-onset hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) with proteinuria (≥ 300 mg/24hr, or urine protein/urine creatinine ratio ≥ 0.3 or urine dipstick ≥ 1+) after 20 weeks gestation. The intervention group received a patient-centered program, Heart Health 4 Moms (HH4M), created with input from preeclampsia survivors and the Preeclampsia Foundation. The program, available in English and Spanish, included online educational modules, a community forum, heart healthy resources (e.g., meal plans), and communication with a lifestyle coach including 6 scheduled phone calls. The control group received access to a website with links to CVD risk reduction websites accessible to the general public. Primary outcomes were self-efficacy for healthy eating and increasing physical activity; change in physical activity/inactivity; adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet; and knowledge of and personal control over CVD risk. Secondary outcomes were weight and blood pressure. We used the Hochberg method to adjust the p value for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Participants were, on average, 31 years of age, 1.3 years removed from their preeclampsia pregnancy, predominantly non-Hispanic white and resided in 41 US states. Retention rates were high (control 93%; intervention 91%). During the 9 months of follow-up, 69% of control participants and 99% of intervention participants visited the study website (p<0.00001). In the intervention arm, 84% of participants accessed at least one online educational module and 89% completed at least three scheduled calls with the coach. At the end of follow-up, intervention participants reported increased self-efficacy for healthy eating (p=0.03), greater knowledge of CVD risk factors (p=0.01), and less physical inactivity (p=0.0006) than individuals in the control arm. The groups did not differ in personal control over CVD risk, self-efficacy for physical activity, or reported physical activity levels. There were no differences in secondary outcomes between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The on-line HH4M program was used by women with recent preeclampsia across the US, improved their self-efficacy to achieve a healthy diet and their knowledge of CVD risk and reduced their physical inactivity. HH4M provides a model for an on-line, easily-accessible lifestyle program to reduce CVD risk in women with recent preeclampsia. (Funded by PCORI).

Perceptions of Heart-Healthy Behaviors among African American Adults: A Mixed Methods Study.

African Americans have a disproportionately higher risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and hypertension than other ethnic or racial groups. Data regarding CVD-related perceptions and beliefs among African Americans are limited, particularly in the Southwest US. Assessment of current views regarding health and health behaviors is needed to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of specific populations. We sought to examine knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of African Americans living in Arizona toward CVD and etiological factors associated with health behaviors and chronic disease development to inform state health agency program development. Transcripts from 14 focus groups (n = 103) were analyzed using Grounded Theory for perceived disease risk, knowledge of CVD risk factors, nutrition, preventative behaviors, and barriers and motivators to behavior change. Participants identified CVD, stroke, and diabetes as leading health concerns among African-Americans but were less certain about the physiological consequences of these diseases. Diet, stress, low physical activity, family history, hypertension, and stroke were described as key CVD risk factors, but overweight and obesity were mentioned rarely. Participants described low socio-economic status and limited access to healthy foods as contributors to disease risk. Focus group members were open to modifying health behaviors if changes incorporated their input and were culturally acceptable. Respondents were 41% male and 59% female with a mean age of 46 years. This study provides insight into CVD and associated disease-related perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes among African Americans in the Southwest and recommendations for interventions to reduce CVD risk.

DETERMINATION OF LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE IN NURS?NG STUDENTS ABOUT RISK FACTORS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Ponte Academic JournalJun 2018, Volume 74, Issue 6 DETERMINATION OF LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE IN NURS?NG STUDENTS ABOUT RISK FACTORS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASEAuthor(s): Hicran Yildiz ,Aysel Ozdemir, Neriman AkanselJ. Ponte - Jun 2018 - Volume 74 - Issue 6 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2018.6.12 Abstract:Introduction In a study conducted in Turkey, the National Burden of Disease and Cost-Effectiveness (NBD-CE) study, of the total number of deaths at the national level, 47.7% occur due to cardiovascular disease. The death rate from cardiovascular disease which was 28.9% in 1990 is estimated to be 6.3 in 2020 worldwide. Determining the level of individual cardiovascular risk and these risk level interventions has led to decrease in morbidity and mortality from heart disease. Methods This study, was conducted to determine the level of knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among nursing students. The universe of this descriptive research was constituted by the 599 nursing students in medical colleges in the 2011-2012 academic years, and the sample was 559 students that had accepted to participate in the study. Socio-demographic data were collected by a questionnaire. "Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) Scale" [Kardiyovask�ler Hastal?klar Risk Fakt�rleri Bilgi D�zeyi (KARR?F-BD) �l�e?i] which was developed in 2009 by Ar?kan and colleagues, was used. Results The mean age of the patients was 20.91 � 1.57 and 18.1% were male. 80% of students of the family's economic situation is moderate. 6.8% have no health insurance. Of the students, 33.3% have members with heart disease in the family. Seventeen percent of students smoked and 12% consumed alcohol. Among students, 9.5% were overweight and 2.5% were obese. Abdominal obesity rate was 14.2%. Conclusion Students' knowledge score of cardiovascular risk factors, failed to differ significantly according to the presence of obesity and abdominal obesity (p >0.05). Among students� cardiovascular risk knowledge score was significantly related to body mass index (p <0.05). This may be caused by the fact that 49.4% of students after they started school had mean weight gains of 9.21 � 8.99 kg. Students' knowledge of risk factors for cardiovascular disease is not at the expected level. The school class levels, presence of family members with cardiovascular disease, smoking and alcohol intake are related to the level of cardiovascular knowledge scores. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Relationship between knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and watching educational television materials. Małopolska CArdiovascular PReventive Intervention Study (M-‑CAPRI).

INTRODUCTION Thecurrent guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in clinical practice emphasizes theimportance of education in themedia for population-‑based approaches. OBJECTIVES Theaim of thestudy was to assess therelationship between knowledge of CVD risk factors and watching educational television materials in theadult population. PATIENTS AND METHODS After 22 months of repeated broadcasting of educational television materials, which addressed problems related to CVD, apostal survey was conducted on arandom sample of 5000 persons aged 18 years or older. Thequestionnaire included information on demographics, personal and family history of CVD, educational materials, and knowledge of therisk factors. Amultivariate logistic regression was used to assess therelationship between theknowledge of each risk factor and watching educational materials. RESULTS Atotal of 1129 questionnaires were sent back and used for theanalysis. There were 208 participants (18%) who watched theeducational materials. Themedian number of the risk factors listed was 4 (interquartile range, 2-5) for persons who watched the materials and 2 (interquartile range, 0-4) for those who did not watch them. After adjustment for age, sex, education, place of residence, and personal and family history of CVD, theparticipants who watched theeducational materials were 2 to 5 times more likely to have knowledge on particular risk factors, with theexception of hypercholesterolemia for which therelationship was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Astrong, plausible relationship revealed by our study supports theidea that in theadult population, better knowledge of CVD risk factors was theeffect of watching educational materials.

Understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors among Bangladeshi immigrants in New York City

ABSTRACTObjectives: Among all South Asians, Bangladeshis have the highest prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of our study was to compare the understanding of CVD risk factors among Bangladeshi immigrants to the general Caucasian population in the U.S.Design: We surveyed Bangladeshi immigrants in Queens, New York using a CVD risk factor knowledge instrument used in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study to assess awareness of risk factors. Using multivariate regression modeling, we compared scores on the knowledge instrument between Bangladeshis we surveyed and Caucasians from the CARDIA study, controlling for potential confounders. We subsequently examined the frequency of mentioning each risk factor to understand what was driving the difference in the overall score.Results: The proportion of Bangladeshis scoring low on the knowledge assessment was 0.53, where as the proportion of whites scoring low in the CARDIA study was 0.32 (p value < .001). Whites were 34% more likely to score high than Bangladeshis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.52). Bangladeshis were more likely to mention diet and cholesterol as risk factors and less likely to mention lack of exercise, being overweight, and smoking as risk factors.Conclusion: Understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors was lower among Bangladeshis than whites. This was driven by Bangladeshis having less awareness regarding how exercise and being overweight contribute to CVD. Community based interventions and community health partnerships should target these behavioral risk factors in the Bangladeshi population.

Understanding Determinants of Cardiovascular Health in a Mexican American Community.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Hispanic Americans. Social and physical determinants of health unique to this community must be understood before interventions can be designed and implemented. This article describes a CVD risk assessment conducted in a primarily Mexican American community, using Healthy People 2020 as a model. Social (language, culture, awareness of CVD, and socio-economic status) and physical (presence and use of recreation areas, presence of grocery stores, public transportation, and environmental pollution) determinants of health as well as access to health services were assessed. Fifteen community leaders were interviewed using guided interviews. Database searches and direct observations were conducted. Using these methods provided comprehensive assessment of social and physical determinants of health, and access issues that were unique to the community studied. Findings demonstrated greater awareness of diabetes than CVD as a health problem, with little knowledge of CVD risk factors. Lack of access to health services (lack of insurance, lack of a medical home) and presence of cultural and socioeconomic barriers such as language, unemployment, low income, and lack of insurance were identified. The physical determinants such as environment presented fewer barriers, with adequate access to fruits and vegetables, transportation, and parks. Results revealed target areas for intervention.

The Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level of The Adults Living in A Family Health Center Region

The Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level of The Adults Living in A Family Health Center Region

Knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and the risk of death in middle-aged residents of Krakow.

Providing knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is the main component of prevention pro-grammes, which aim to reduce the exposure to these factors and decrease CVD incidence and mortality. However, evidence linking knowledge of CVD risk factors and the risk of death is scarce. The aim of the study was to assess the relation between knowledge of CVD risk factors and the risk of death from all causes in middle-aged residents of Krakow and to assess whether this relation depends on the level of education. The study sample included 1756 men and 1788 women selected from a population of Krakow residents at age 45-64 years. Knowledge of CVD risk factors was assessed for every risk factor separately using a standard questionnaire. Results were summarised by calculating the "knowledge index" (from -15 to 15 points). Information on deaths was obtained from the registry of Krakow residents. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the relation between knowledge of CVD risk factors and all-cause mortality. At baseline examination the participation rate was 66% in men and 65% in women. The proportion of participants with secondary or higher education was 61% in men and 66% in women. Distribution of knowledge index was right skewed, and the median was 11 (interquartile range: 9-13) in both sexes. Median time of follow-up was 14.35 years (interquartile range: 14.30-14.39). There were 307 deaths in men and in women. Men with a low level of knowledge of risk factors had a higher risk of death. However, adjustment for education attenuated the association. After stratification by the level of education, in men with secondary education or higher, an inverse relation between the knowledge of CVD risk factors and the risk of death was found. In this group, men with a low level of knowledge of CVD risk factors had about a 60% higher risk of death, compared to men with high knowledge. In men with low education and in women the risk of death was not associated with knowledge of risk factors. In a Krakow population characterised by a high proportion of residents with secondary or higher education, the association between knowledge of CVD risk factors and the risk of death depended on sex and the level of education. A lower level of knowledge of risk factors was associated with a higher risk of death only in men with secondary or higher education.

Cardiovascular disease risk factor knowledge assessment among medical students

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of disability and premature death throughout the world. Past decade has seen a rise in the awareness of heart disease and its risk factors in general population as a result of various health promotion policies. Whereas similar data among health-care providers, especially among medical students, who will play a key role in disease prevention and treatment are still lacking. Aims and Objective: To assess the CVD risk factor knowledge among first-year medical students. Materials and Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional survey was conducted among 154 medical students by distributing an anonymous pretested, self-administered, and structured questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 30 multiple choice questions and was prepared keeping in mind the key themes of identification of CVD and its risk factors. Result: Major risk factors for heart disease as identified by students are dyslipidemia (96.8%), obesity (94.1%), high blood pressure (92.8%), smoking (84.4%), diabetes (82.4), age (81.8%), male gender (80.4%), lack of physical activity (73.9%), and family history (63.6%). However, only 12.5% correctly identified HDL to be the good cholesterol. On comparing the mean knowledge score for individual components, female participants scored better for epidemiology (3.01 ± 0.10 vs. 3.33 ± 0.11, p = 0.031) and lifestyle behavior (2.97 ± 0.11 vs. 3.60 ± 0.12, p = 0.0001). We could also derive statistically significant differences between students with smoking history (21.82 ± 0.26 vs. 18.75 ± 1.01, p = 0.001) and alcohol consumption (21.84 ± 0.26 vs. 18.91 ± 0.92, p = 0.001) compared with those without, in case of total knowledge score. Conclusion: These results suggest that there are few areas of concern in our medical education that needs to be reformed. A sound knowledge of CVD is very essential for the medical students and to achieve this, change in the core medical curriculum starting from basic medical sciences is recommended.

Awareness and Knowledge of Cardiovascular Risk Through Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Testing in College Freshmen

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, yet knowledge of CVD risk factors is surprisingly low in college students. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an individualized blood pressure, cholesterol, and CVD education intervention on college freshmen. Methods: Twenty-five college freshmen (mean age 18.3 ± 0.4 years) completed the study. Participants underwent blood pressure and blood cholesterol screening and completed 3 questionnaires (BLOCK Fat Dietary Screener, Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Heart Disease Knowledge Questionnaire [HDKQ]). Feedback reports containing participants' cholesterol and blood pressure data with normative guidelines and physical activity and heart-healthy diet pamphlets were distributed at a one-on-one 15-minute feedback session. Approximately 2 months after receiving this information, all 3 questionnaires were repeated. Results: Participants improved their HDKQ scores (15.35 ± 5.0 vs. 19.68 ± 4.1, P < .05) but did not change dietary scores (33.6 ± 10.8 vs. 31.5 ± 7.8) or physical activity (2117 ± 1978 vs. 2290 ± 1924 kcal/week). Translation to Health Education Practice: A short blood pressure and cholesterol report and one-on-one meeting improved knowledge of CVD risk in college students without affecting diet and exercise habits.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in older adults – Perception and reality

ObjectiveCVD are the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Since there are no published data about the knowledge of CVD risk factors among Croatian older adults, this was the primary aim of this study. Another aim was to determine relationship between actual CVD risk (total cholesterol – TC and triglyceride levels – TG, blood pressure – BP, body mass index – BMI, smoking) and self-assessed CVD risk among older adults. MethodsWe used a cross-sectional epidemiological study in which participants (969 subjects aged >70 years) answered a written questionnaire. Participants’ BMI, BP, TC and triglycerides were measured. ResultsThe actual presence of CVD risk factors in participants did not appear to alter their perceptions of risk compared to participants without CVD risk factors (the percentage of participants who think that they have moderate/high CVD risk is almost the same: 75.5% among participants with actual CVD risk factors; 75.7% among those without CVD risk factors). Accordingly, 24.5% of participants with actual CVD risk factors failed to recognize that risk.Only 23.4% of participants correctly recognized BP target values, while 49.8% participants successfully recognized TC target levels. The knowledge of target BP and/or TC levels did not influence participants’ ability to assess their own CVD risk.Surprisingly, 41.8% of participants reported that they have not discussed CVD risk factors with their physicians. ConclusionThe results suggest insufficient awareness of CVD risk factors among Croatian older adults and a need for improved promotion of CVD prevention in this population segment.

OP-192 The Relationship of The Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level of Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Their Relatives

OP-192 The Relationship of The Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level of Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Their Relatives