Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Research Articles

Muscle function, exercise capacity, physical activity level and cardiovascular disease risk factor knowledge in patients with prolactinoma.

Prolactinoma can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as arterial stiffness, atherosclerosis, dysrhythmia and heart failure. This study aimed to evaluate and compare muscle function, exercise capacity, physical activity (PA) level, CVD risk factor knowledge level, sleep quality, fatigue and quality of life between prolactinoma patients and healthy controls. Nineteen female patients with prolactinomas and 19 healthy women were included in this study. Quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) was measured using a hand dynamometer, and muscular endurance was evaluated via the squat test. The 6-minute walking test (6MWT) distance was also measured. CVD risk factor knowledge levels were evaluated with the Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors Knowledge Level Scale (CARRF-KL), PA levels were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ), sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), fatigue was assessed with the Multidimensional Fatigue Rating Scale (MAF), and quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Patients with prolactinomas had significantly lower 6MWT distances; CARRF-KL total scores; SF-36 general health and physical limitation scores; and higher IPAQ-sitting scores than did healthy controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of QMS score; number of squats; severity of IPAQ score; severity, moderate, or total walking score; total PSQI score; or total MAF score (p > 0.05). Exercise capacity and quality of life are adversely affected, and sedentary behavior is observed in prolactinomas. Patients with prolactinomas have less knowledge about CVD risk factors than healthy individuals. CVD incidence and knowledge and functional capacity should be improved in patients with prolactinomas by the use of a multidisciplinary team for cardiac rehabilitation. This study is part of a larger clinical trial registered on ClinicalTrials.gov prior to participant enrollment (NCT05236829).

Disparities in patients' understanding of cardiovascular disease management.

Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), are some of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite the effectiveness of early diagnostic and treatment options, patient screening, disease detection and disease progression remain a challenge, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. Consequently, cardiovascular diseases remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, particularly in developing countries. Several barriers, including paucity of recommended cardiovascular health information and low literacy levels, lead to a poor understanding of the importance of intervention in terms of modifiable risk factors as well as treatment adherence. This narrative review focuses on cardiovascular patients' understanding of their disease, and the need for compliance with their medication and lifestyle modifications. Low levels of perception and insufficient knowledge of CVDs among patients continue to be indispensably important factors in health behaviour. Increased awareness of these issues has the potential to improve the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary cardiovascular team and ultimately improve the care provided to these patients.

Statin use for cardiovascular disease prevention: perceptions among people living with HIV in the United States

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) may be at heightened risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statin use and lifestyle changes reduce the risk of CVD but remain under-prescribed among PLWH. The objective of this study was to characterize knowledge of CVD and statin use, current usage, barriers to taking statins, and information desired by PLWH to improve statin uptake among PLWH in Los Angeles, CA.MethodsBetween April 2019 and April 2020, we conducted four focus group discussions (n = 37) with patients across three public community health clinics that serve PLWH in Los Angeles County, California. All clinics participated in a larger study to improve statin prescribing for PLWH. We asked about knowledge of statins, willingness to take a statin, possible barriers to statin usage, preferred information sources for health information, and desired information about statins. We utilized standard qualitative content analysis methods to identify themes.ResultsWe found a range in the awareness of statins, with some participants reporting never having heard of statins while others had a history of statin use. There were concerns about the potential long-term effect of statin use, but participants expressed willingness to use CVD medications generally and statins specifically, especially if recommended by their healthcare provider. Participants also expressed interest in potential alternatives to statin usage such as exercising regularly and nutritious eating.ConclusionsMore interventions are needed to increase statin use among PLWH to improve CVD outcomes, which also has implications for HIV progression. Clinics should aim to increase patient and provider knowledge about CVD risk and statin use for PLWH and provide shared decision-making tools that are easy to use and culturally appropriate.

Abstract P362: Differences in Cardiovascular Health, Physical Activity Determinants, and Desired Intervention Components in Individuals With a History of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy by Activity Level

Introduction: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) affects ~16% of pregnancies and is associated with a 2- to 4-fold greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physical activity (PA) is a known modifiable risk factor for CVD; however, little is known about the CVD risk factors potentially related to postpartum PA after HDP. More research is also needed examining specific behavioral determinants influencing postpartum PA and a postpartum PA intervention would be desired. Purpose: To assess differences in CVD risk factors, behavioral determinants of PA, and desired PA intervention components among postpartum individuals with HDP, stratified by PA level. Hypothesis: Inactive individuals will have more CVD risk factors, different behavioral determinants and desired PA intervention components compared to active individuals after HDP. Methods: Individuals residing in Iowa who were &lt;1 year postpartum and experienced a HDP were recruited to complete online surveys assessing demographics, PA, CVD risk factors, behavioral determinants of PA (e.g., barriers and facilitators of PA), and desired PA intervention components. Individuals were classified as active or inactive using the 2018 PA guidelines for Americans. Results: Participants (N=72) were 30±6 years old, mostly white (84%), and 54% were sufficiently active. Inactive individuals were more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension after delivery, had lower CVD knowledge, and were 2.9 times less likely to identify facilitators of PA compared to active individuals (Table; p&lt;0.05). All indicated interest in a postpartum PA intervention, with inactive individuals expressing greater interest in information on postpartum PA safety, PA while breastfeeding, and social media interventions compared to active individuals (Table; p&lt;0.05). Preferred communication included text, email, and video call. Conclusions: Development of PA interventions after HDP should consider the unique needs of individuals across current postpartum activity levels.

Awareness and Knowledge of Cardiovascular Diseases and Its Risk Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age: A Scoping Review.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Despite the significant burden of CVD, knowledge and awareness of its risk factors among women are low.This review aimed to identify CVD awareness, knowledge, and risk factors for women of reproductive age from different countries and variables that influence health outcomes.Studies published from 2000 to 2023 were reviewed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, and electronic databases. A total of 50 studies were found, and 41 were excluded. The keywords used were "Knowledge of the risk factor of heart disease," "cardiac risk factors," "cardiovascular disease," "heart disease awareness," and "heart disease," combined with "women"and "reproductive age." The review revealed significant gaps in the general awareness and knowledge of CVD risk factors among women of reproductive age. Many women were unaware of the symptoms and risk factors associated with CVD, leading to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes. Lack of education, low socioeconomic status, and limited access to healthcare were identified as contributing factors to this knowledge gap. Young women, particularly those with poor pregnancy outcomes, demonstrated limited awareness and perception of CVD risk. The findings suggest significant gaps in general awareness, knowledge of CVD risk, risk factors among women of reproductive age from different countries, and factors that influence their health outcomes.Targeted interventions are urgently needed to improve awareness and knowledge of CVD among women of reproductive age. Efforts should focus on educating women about CVD risk factors and prevention strategies before symptoms arise. Addressing socioeconomic and educational disparities is crucial to bridging the gap in awareness. By enhancing awareness and knowledge, women can be empowered to take preventive actions and reduce their risk of developing CVD. As a result, we recommend that there are significant opportunities to educate women about CVD risk and prevention before symptoms arise. In addition, there is a need to develop effective interventions to raise awareness among women of reproductive age to close the gap in awareness and knowledge of CVD.

Barriers and Facilitators to Improving Cardiovascular Health in Churches with Predominantly Black Congregations

Objective Black communities bear a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Barriers and facilitators for improving cardiovascular health (CVH) in churches with predominantly black congregations were explored through a qualitative needs assessment. Methods Four focus groups with church members (n=21), 1 with wellness coordinators (n=5), and 1 with primary care providers (n=4) and 7 individual interviews with church leaders were completed in New Orleans and Bogalusa, Louisiana. Virtual, semistructured interviews and focus groups were held between October 2021 and April 2022. The Theorical Domains Framework (TDF) guided a framework analysis of transcribed data based on inductive and deductive coding to identify themes related to determinants of CVH. Results The following four domains according to the TDF were identified as the most relevant for improving CVH: knowledge, professional role, environmental context, and emotions. Within these domains, barriers expressed by church leadership and members were a lack of knowledge of CVD, provider distrust, and little time and resources for lifestyle changes; facilitators included existing church wellness programs and social support, community resources, and willingness to improve patient-provider relationships. Primary care providers recognized a lack of effective communication and busy schedules as obstacles and the need to strengthen communication through increased patient autonomy and trust. Potential strategies to improve CVH informed by the Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change compilation of implementation strategies include education and training, task shifting, dissemination of information, culturally tailored counselling, and linkage to existing resources. Conclusions These findings can inform the implementation of interventions for improving cardiovascular health and reducing disparities in black church communities.

The Healthy Hearts Project: Development and evaluation of a website for cardiovascular risk assessment and visualisation and self-management through healthy lifestyle goal-setting.

Materially deprived communities in the UK have excess morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) but are less likely to engage with formal care pathways. Community engagement and e-health may be more effective ways to promote risk-reducing lifestyle change. The "Healthy Hearts Project" website was designed for use by community health workers (CHWs) for cardiovascular risk assessment and lifestyle goal setting, or for independent use by community members. This paper describes the website's development and evaluation. The website was developed using interactive wire frame prototypes in a user-led approach. Qualitative evaluation of the completed website's usability and acceptability was conducted using the "Thinking Aloud" method in a purposive sample of 10 participants (one voluntary sector employee, three CHWs, two community members and four healthcare professionals). Thinking Aloud interview transcripts were thematically analysed using an inductive approach. A separate quantitative evaluation of usability and the effect of using the website on CVD knowledge and beliefs was conducted. A random sample of 134 participants, recruited using the online platform Prolific, completed the "Attitudes and Beliefs About Cardiovascular Disease" (ABCD) questionnaire before and after using the website, along with the System Usability Scale (SUS). Qualitative evaluation-Four key themes were identified: 1) Website functionality and design-participants generally found the website easy to use and understood the risk communication graphics and the feedback and goal-setting features,; 2) Inclusivity and representation-most participants considered the website inclusive of a range of users/cultures; 3) Language and comprehension-participants found the language used easy to understand but suggested reducing the amount of text; 4) Motivation and barriers to change-participants liked the personalized feedback and empowerment offered by goal-setting but commented on the need for self-motivation. Quantitative evaluation-The mean score across all domains of the ABCD questionnaire (from 2.99 to 3.11, p<0.001) and in the sub-domains relating to attitudes and beliefs around healthy eating and exercise increased after using the website. The mean(sd) score on the SUS was 77.5 (13.5). The website's usability was generally rated well by both quantitative and qualitative measures, and measures of CVD knowledge improved after use. A number of general recommendations for the design of eHealth behaviour change tools are made based on participants' suggestions to improve the website.

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&lt;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.

Prevalence of Sex-Specific Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, Medical Risk, and Engagement in Health-Promoting Behaviours in Premenopausal Females

BackgroundSeveral sex-specific risk factors (SS-RFs) increase a women’s risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) but are often overlooked during risk assessment. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of SS-RFs and assess CVD risk, knowledge, perceptions and behaviours in premenopausal Canadian women. MethodsAn online survey was distributed across Canada to premenopausal biological females (19-49 years of age). The survey gathered demographics, medical history, engagement in health-promoting behaviours, and knowledge and perceptions of CVD risk. CVD risk was calculated using medical risk and SS-RFs were tabulated from medical history. ResultsA total of 2559 participants (33 ± 8 years) completed the survey. The majority of our sample (82%) was classified as low medical risk. Of those classified as low risk, 35% had at least 1 SS-RF. Of high-risk individuals, 70% underestimated their risk, 21% of whom perceived themselves as low risk. Engagement in health behaviours was suboptimal. Knowledge of traditional CVD risk factors and prevention was relatively high; however, less than one-half were aware of SS-RFs such as early menopause (39.4%). ConclusionsConsidering both traditional and SS-RFs, 47% of premenopausal Canadian women may be at risk for developing CVD. Of those deemed low medical risk for developing CVD, more than one-third reported having at least 1 SS-RF. Canadian women have poor knowledge of the risks associated with SS-RFs, lack sufficient awareness of the need for prevention of CVD, and are not engaging in sufficient health-promoting behaviours to mitigate future CVD risk.

Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Its Primary Prevention Practices Among the Saudi Public - A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

In response to the aging population and rapid rise of chronic diseases, it is important to understand the knowledge about primary prevention. We aim to explore Saudi adults' knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and its primary prevention practices among the Saudi public. This is a cross-sectional community-based study, conducted among people living in Saudi Arabia to assess the knowledge of CVD risk factors using a total of 24-item questionnaires divided into two sections using the Likert scale, true /False/I do not know. The data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS v. 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). In this study, the 81.8% of participants (n=296) agreed that high blood pressure was a risk factor for CVD, while more than two-thirds (68.8%; n=249) believed that diabetes was a risk factor for CVD. Furthermore, about the same proportion of respondents ((79.8%; n=289) and (78.7%; n=285)) agreed that physical inactivity and smoking were risk factors for CVD. In addition, the vast majority of them (n=324; 89.5%) believed that regular exercise aids in the prevention of CVD. In contrast, 74.9% (n=271) of individuals agreed that quitting smoking helps prevent CVD. This study indicated that 55.8% (n=202) of respondents had strong knowledge of CVD, while 44.2% (n=160) had inadequate awareness of CVD risk factors and prevention methods. In terms of the association between socio-demographic factors and overall participants' knowledge of CVD risk factors and preventative measures, we discovered that age (p=0.000), gender (p=0.011), educational status (p=0.000), and the presence of chronic disease (p=0.000) were all significantly associated with CVD knowledge score levels. Saudi adults have adequate knowledge of CVD risk factors and prevention interventions, but more effort is needed to raise continuous awareness to reduce the prevalence of CVD.

Disparities in knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and prevention methods related to cardiovascular status and functional health literacy, Poland, 2020-2021.

Numerous studies have reported a significant role for health literacy (HL) in the prevention or treatment of various diseases. However, in Poland there was no scientific research involving the status of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and HL in the assessment of health knowledge simultaneously, therefore, it became the objective of the study. We aimed to evaluate the level of CVD knowledge depending on CVD status and functional HL in Polish population. The study population consisted of 2827 participants from the WOBASZ II Survey aged 20-89 years: 2266 were CVD-free (non-CVD), 361 were hospitalized with CVD (CVDH[+]) and 200 were diagnosed with CVD, but not hospitalized (CVDH[-]). The Newest Vital Sign test (NVS) was applied to determine functional HL. Self-reported knowledge of CVD risk factors (RFs) and prevention methods (PMs) between people with different CVD status depending on HL was estimated. Multivariable ordinal and binary logistic regression analyzes were performed to find predictors of RFs and PMs knowledge. The knowledge of CVD RFs and/or PMs was strictly related to HL and CVD status. Inadequate HL decreased the satisfactory (≥5 RFs/PMs) knowledge of RFs (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.62) and PMs (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.45-0.71). CVDH(-) people were more likely to have a satisfactory PMs knowledge (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02-2.16), while CVDH(+) persons a satisfactory RFs knowledge (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.35-2.53). HL and CVD status are the key determinants of CDV RFs/PMs knowledge. Functional HL significantly affects health knowledge; therefore, HL screening should be recommended in primary care to increase the effectiveness of primary CVD prevention.

Assessing the Risk Perception and Knowledge Regarding Cardiovascular Diseases in Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes in Central India: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The perceptions of patients can be important in health-related behaviors and disease prognosis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the risk perception and knowledge of hypertensive and diabetic patients. Methodology The study was conducted among 264 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was used, which initially identified themes related to risk perception about CVDs among patients. Knowledge and risk perception about CVDs were quantified using a survey derived from predefined themes. CVD knowledge scores were categorized into low, intermediate, and high scores, and the trends of risk perception were studied across this spectrum of cardiovascular knowledge. Results The age of the participants ranged from 30 to 78 years. Overall, 57.19% of the participants were males, whereas 42.80% were females. The qualitative results revealed that the sources of knowledge about CVDs, physical activity, and maintaining a nutritious diet included family, friends, and media. On the other hand, doctors played a significant role in influencing perceptions related to medications. The observation of complications related to CVDs and the fear of mortality played a pivotal role in shaping the perception regarding the seriousness of the condition. Perceived susceptibility was low if there was unawareness of protection through medications and lifestyle changes, but it was high with stress or heredity. The analysis of CVD knowledge and risk perception survey data revealed the median CVD knowledge score to be 12 (interquartile range = 7.5-13), which showed a significant association with education and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). The distribution of risk perception scores across the spectrum of CVD knowledge scores depicted that participants with higher scores agreed more with CVDs being serious and their susceptibility to them. Conclusions Despite having high knowledge scores regarding CVDs, the study population had average risk perception. Patient risk perceptions should be evaluated as it affects the health-seeking behavior and prognosis of the disease.

Perceived Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Preeclampsia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Preeclampsia has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the preeclamptic women were unaware of this link. Therefore, this study aims to assess women's knowledge and perception of future CVD after preeclampsia. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. Two hundred and forty-six women with a preeclampsia history were recruited from the Al Salam MCH Center and Suez Canal University Hospital. Data were collected during March 2022 using a socio-demographic questionnaire, an Adapted Coronary Heart disease knowledge tool for preeclamptic women, and The Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (PRHDS). Most women (96%) were unaware of the relationship between CVD and preeclampsia. The women had a low CVD knowledge level (10.26 ± 6.08) as well as a low perception of cardiovascular disease risk (37.15 ± 7.22). There was a significant positive correlation between CVD knowledge and CVD risk perception (r = 0.434, p = 0.000). This study found that preeclampsia survivors underestimated their CVD risk. Based on these findings, preeclamptic women should receive health education sessions on CVD risk and prevention from their nurses and obstetricians. The hospital pre-discharge plan must contain these sessions in written and electronic formats to help women remember and follow CVD risk reduction measures.

Syrians' Awareness of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Warning Signs: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: An estimated 17.8 million lives were lost in 2017 due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in a total of 330 million years of life lost and an additional 35.6 million years of disability. Numerous studies have shown the importance of education and awareness in promoting positive and long-lasting behavioral changes. This study aims to assess Syrians' awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) warning symptoms and risk factors and investigate further into the variables that contribute to this awareness. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken online between August 1 and 25, 2022, to examine Syrian individuals' awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors and early warning signs. The study's questionnaire was constructed based on prior research, and the inclusion criteria for the sample were citizens of Syria over the age of 18 who currently reside in Syria. There were three categories of questions on the questionnaire: sociodemographics, an evaluation of CVD knowledge using both open- and closed-ended inquiries, and medical history and behavioral risk factors. Results: There were 1201 inquired participants; 728 (60.6%) were males, and 473 (39.5%) were females. Concerns about developing diabetes were reported by 45.8% (n=550), hypertension was feared by 54.0% (n=540), and 43.9% (n=572) of individuals, and heart disease was feared by 45.9% (n=572). The internet and social media platforms were the most common ways they learned about it. Closed-ended questions indicated that the majority of participants (n=1164, 94.9%) had recognized CVD risk factors, with smoking (95.2%), obesity (93.6%), cholesterol (91%), and hypertension (90.3%) being the most often reported risk factors. Close-ended questions regarding CVD warning indicators revealed that most participants (n=897, 74.7%) correctly identified the warning symptoms. However, in response to open-ended questions, most participants (n=478, 39.8%) did not identify CVD risk factors, as well only (n=291, 24.2%) did. In addition, open-ended questions concerning CVD warning signs indicated that more than half of the participants (n=680, 56.6%) had poor identification of the warning symptoms. The age group between 55 and 64 years had the greatest CVD risk factors, and education was related to greater knowledge of CVD risk factors (P-value&lt;0.001). Males have a greater understanding of CVD risk factors than females, and married individuals have a greater understanding of CVD warning signals than those with other marital statuses. Country-dwelling individuals are less knowledgeable about CVD risk factors and warning symptoms than city-dwelling participants. Conclusion: According to our results, there is inadequate knowledge of the risk factors and warning signs of CVDs, which contribute to the development of this illness and result in life-threatening circumstances. Consequently, there is a larger need to raise CVD awareness and learning initiatives on the disease's risk factors and symptoms. It may be able to reduce the number of advanced instances of this illness by educating individuals about the hazards of smoking and alcohol intake and by considering the family history of these CVDs.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of cardiovascular disease prevention in young adults in the country of Georgia.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 46% of all mortality in the country of Georgia (former Soviet Union). Young adults in that country have not been studied regarding CVD and a need exists to understand lifestyle modifications to promote cardiovascular health. An interpretive description qualitative design was used to explore Georgian young adults' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of CVD preventative practices and life experiences. A convenience sample of 19 ethnic Georgian participants (18-40 years old) who were fluent in either English, Georgian, or Russian from a local private university was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via video conferencing utilizing an interpreter. Four themes were identified: (1) CVD and risk factor knowledge, (2) prevention attitudes, beliefs, and gender differences, (3) health literacy influences, and (4) culture and societal impacts. CVD knowledge was limited and influenced by health literacy and the current healthcare system in Georgia. Cultural and societal gender norms influence cardiovascular health behaviors. Georgian nurses can play a key role in CVD education and screening for young adults in Georgia.

Implication of knowledge, lifestyle and self-efficacy in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases' risk factors among the urban elderly.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is preventable by effectively managing its risk factors. Such risk factors (smoking, unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, etc.) are judged to reflect an individual's self-efficacy, lifestyle modification, and CVD knowledge. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between lifestyle practices, self-efficacy, and knowledge of CVDs risk factors among the elderly. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 424 randomly individuals whose age is ≥60 years. A questionnaire-based survey was administered on the self-efficacy rate, lifestyle practices, and respondents' knowledge of CVDs risk factors. Respondents with a score of ≤50%, 51%-74.99%, and ≥75% were classified as having low, medium, or high self-efficacy. Similarly, the same score was used to classify poor, fair, or good lifestyle; and low, average, or high knowledge. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, while association among variables was determined using chi-square. Results: Few respondents were involved in physical exercise (1.7%), cigarette smoking (4.5%), regular soft drinks (18.2%), and alcohol consumption (13.2%). Many respondents used excess salt during cooking (92.7%) or ate outside their homes (64.6%). 58.5%, 30.0%, and 11.6% of the respondents had fair, good, and poor lifestyle practices. 11.3%, 58.7%, and 30.0% had low, medium, and high self-efficacy scores. A total of 45.3%, 35.4%, and 19.3% had low, average, and high knowledge. Knowledge and self-efficacy scores were significantly different (P = 0.001). Conclusion: High self-efficacy and its significant relationship with knowledge could mean that CVD risk factors can be checked if the elderly have a proper lifestyle, positive attitudes, and nutrition education.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Cardiovascular Diseases in the Lebanese Population.

Background & Objective:Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. Assessing CVD knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) is necessary to spread awareness about CVD in Lebanon, their corresponding risk factors, and behaviors in which individuals can avoid or minimize the possibility of developing a CVD.Subjects & Methods:This was a case-control analytical study that targeted 921 CVD and non-CVD subjects. A questionnaire form was used to collect data related to patients’ demographics, socioeconomic status, habits, medical and family history, KAP towards CVD, and source of information. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.25.Results:Data from 921 participants were distributed over the CVD group (52.6% males aged 58.3 ± 13.7 years [n = 460]) and the non-CVD group (47.7% males aged 36.3 ± 15.4 years [n = 461]). CVD patients were significantly older than non-CVD subjects (p < 0.001). All three KAP scores of both groups were of poor to fair levels. Both CVD knowledge and attitude mean scores in CVD patients (26.6 ± 5.2 over 40 [66.50%] and 63.3 ± 10.2 over 85 [74.47%], respectively) were significantly higher than the ones of non-CVD subjects (23.5 ± 7.9 over 40 [58.75%] and 61.4 ± 12.4 over 85 [72.74%], respectively, p < 0.001). However, the CVD mean practice score was significantly lower in CVD patients (6.0 ± 1.7 over 9 [66.67%]) than the one of non-CVD subjects (6.3 ± 2.2 over 9 [70.00%] p < 0.001). Mostly, educational level (p < 0.001), governorate (p < 0.01), and smoking (p < 0.001) were predictors of KAP CVD in both groups.Conclusion:With an overall limited knowledge, attitude, and practice toward CVDs, the Lebanese population (with CVD or non-CVD) needs targeted national campaigns about CVD according to the identified predictors of CVD KAP to prevent and to alleviate the complications due to CVDs.

Knowledge and perception of cardiovascular disease risk in women of reproductive age

ObjectiveWomen who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, their knowledge of CVD risk is not well characterized. We aimed to evaluate knowledge and perception of CVD risk in young women and to determine whether these factors differ based on experience of an APO. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among women with a recent live birth at an urban medical center. Knowledge and perception of CVD risk were assessed through a self-administered online survey adapted from the American Heart Association Survey of Women's CVD Awareness. ResultsOf 5612 individuals contacted between 3/1/21 and 4/18/21, 714 completed the survey; the mean (SD) age was 34 (4) years and 25% reported an APO. While 62% of respondents identified CVD as the leading cause of death in women, there was no significant difference in CVD knowledge scores between participants who reported experiencing an APO and those who did not (6.9 vs 6.8 out of 10; p = 0.51). Participants who reported experiencing an APO had higher perception of personal risk for CVD (adjusted odds ratio, 2.64 [95% CI 1.83-3.80]) compared with participants who did not. Half of participants who experienced an APO reported perceiving average, or below average, risk for CVD and only 41 (22.5%) reported speaking with a healthcare professional about CVD within the past year. ConclusionsGaps remain in knowledge of CVD risk among young women, particularly after an APO. The peripartum period may represent a unique opportunity for targeted education when healthcare engagement is high.

Health literacy and cardiovascular disease prevention: a systematic scoping review protocol

IntroductionHealth literacy is ‘The skills and resources of a person to access, understand and use information to make decisions, and take action on their own health and healthcare’. Literature investigating...

Type and effectiveness of community-based interventions in improving knowledge related to cardiovascular diseases and risk factors: A systematic review

Background: Despite an improvement in the healthcare system, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improving knowledge is a key for behavioral change towards prevention of CVDs. However, up-to-date evidence is limited on the effect of interventions on CVD knowledge. Thus this study aimed to synthesize comprehensive evidence on the type and effectiveness of community-based interventions (CBIs) to improve knowledge related to CVDs. Methods: We performed a systematic review of studies that tested the effectiveness of CBIs in improving CVD knowledge. International databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PSYCINFO and Cochrane register of controlled studies were searched for studies published between January 2000 and December 2019. The Cochrane risk of bias tools were used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Since CVD knowledge was measured using various tools, results were synthesized narratively and reported in line with the reporting guideline for Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM). The review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019119885). Results: 7 randomized and 9 non-randomized controlled trials involving 34,845 participants were included. Most of the interventions targeted the general population and majorities delivered the intervention to groups of individuals. Likewise, most of the interventions employed various intervention components including health education using different strategies. Overall, most studies showed that CBIs significantly improved knowledge related to CVDs. Conclusion: Community-based CVD preventive interventions are effective in improving knowledge related to CVD and risk factors. Measures to scale up CBIs are recommended to improve an individual's level of CVD knowledge, which potentially helps to counter the growing burden of CVDs.