Cardiovascular Disease Risk Perception Research Articles

Cardiovascular disease risk perception among community-dwelling adults in southwest Nigeria: A mixed-method study.

The rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remains a global concern. In Nigeria, the current prevalence of CVD was 76.11% with its attendance burden. The CVD risk perception of individuals is a precursor to the desired lifestyle modification necessary for CVD prevention and management. This study assessed the CVD risk perception and sociodemographic determinants among rural and urban dwellers in southwest Nigeria. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design involving concurrent data collection. The participants' CVD risk perception was obtained using the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (quantitative data) and a validated focus group discussion (FGD) guide (qualitative data). Quantitative analysis was completed using descriptive statistics, Phi, Cramer's V, and multivariate linear regression, while the FGD was thematically analysed. The quantitative study involved 1,493 participants (62.4% women) with a mean age of 46.90±15.65 years, while the FGD involved 53 participants (52.8% women) with a mean age of 50.10±13.5 years. Over a quarter (28%) of the participants had a poor CVD risk perception; the mean score was 44.40±8.07. Rural residents had a significantly poorer CVD risk perception than their urban counterparts (Mean difference = -3.16, p<0.001). Having tertiary education (β = 0.100, p < 0.001), living in urban areas (β = 0.174, p<0.001), and living in Lagos (β = 0.074, p = 0.013) and in Oyo, other than Ogun state (β = -0.156, p<0.001) significantly predicted having a good perception of CVD risk. FGD produced three themes: knowledge about CVD, CVD risk factors, and CVD prevention. Participants had a fair understanding of the causes and prevention of CVD. Yet, a substantial portion underestimated their own risk of developing CVD, particularly rural dwellers and people with lower education. More public health education is required to improve the CVD risk perception in southwestern Nigeria.

Cardiovascular diseases risk assessment: the Italian Health Examination Survey 2023 - CUORE Project

Abstract Background The reduction of NCDs premature mortality is pursued by the WHO; risk conditions targets are recommended as well as population-level monitoring of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The Italian Ministry of Health (MoH) has strengthened prevention/health promotion and supported periodic CVD risk assessment through national health examination surveys (HESs), funded by the MoH-CCM and conducted within the CUORE Project. Methods In 2023 a new HES started including the 10-year fatal and non-fatal CVD risk assessment based on knowledge of sex, age, smoking habit, measured systolic blood pressure and fasting total and HDL serum cholesterol, and presence of diabetes (on measured fasting serum glycemia and/or treatment) and anti-hypertensive therapy. Up to now, data from random samples of residents in 7 Regions (of 20 regions) distributed in North, Centre and South of Italy, aged 35-69 years, without previous CVD, are available (585 men, 617 women). Determinations were assayed by a central lab. CUORE Project functions developed on and for the Italian adults were used. Results Mean values of the CVD risk assessment resulted 6.9% (95% CI: 6.3-7.4) in men and 2.3% (2.1-2.5) in women. For men aged 35-44 years risk was 1.6% (1.5-1.8), for 45-54 years 3.8% (3.5-4.2), for 55-64 years 10.0% (9.0-10.9), for 65-69 years 17.6% (16.4-18.9); for women was 0.5% (0.4-0.6), 1.0% (0.9-1.1), 3.3% (2.9-3.7) and 6.0% (5.5-6.6) respectively. Prevalence of CVD risk less than 5% was 57% (49-64) in men and 88% (84-93) in women, of 10-15% risk were 22% (15-28) of men and 9% (5-14) of women, of 15-20% risk were 5% (1.6-8.0) of men and 0% of women, of over 20% risk were 2% (0-3.6) of men and 0% of women. Conclusions Compared to 2008, these data showed stable mean levels of CVD risk both in men and women at any age-classes and stable prevalence of CVD risk classes. CVD risk perception represents a challenge in primary prevention especially for young age groups and women. Key messages • In the Italian general population, CVD risk assessment remained stable compared to 15 years ago. • CVD risk perception represents a challenge in primary prevention.

Perceived Susceptibility to and Severity of Cardiovascular Disease Is Associated With Intent to Change Behavior Among Women 25-55 Years Old.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among young and middle-aged women have increased, whereas CVD knowledge and awareness remain low. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between the stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of CVD among women 25-55 years and identify predictors of the stage of behavior change. A cross-sectional online survey of women ages 25-55 years living in the United States was conducted. Awareness was measured with the question "What is the leading cause of death for women in the United States?" Knowledge, perceptions, and the stage of behavior change were measured with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire, Health Beliefs Related to CVD, and Precaution Adoption Process Model instruments, respectively. Chi-square and t tests were used to determine differences between awareness, knowledge, and perceptions based on the stage of behavior change. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions. A total of 149 primarily minority women (n = 105) were included (mean age = 37.15 ± 7.86 years). The perception of CVD susceptibility was associated with increased intention to change behavior (odds ratio, 1.247; 95% confidence interval, 1.101-1.414; P < .001). The perception of CVD severity was associated with reduced intention to change behavior (odds ratio, 0.809; P = .004). Women who believed they were susceptible to CVD and did not perceive CVD as severe were more likely to report intent to change behavior, suggesting perception of CVD risk is more important than awareness or knowledge. Addressing misperceptions may be a strategy for primary risk reduction.

The women's cardiovascular disease risk perception after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A qualitative meta-synthesis

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, but studies suggest that women with previous hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are not aware of this. Little is known about how these women perceive the condition and the associated long-term risks. ObjectivesThis study aims to examine and synthesize qualitative evidence on the perceptions and awareness of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy following perceived cardiovascular disease risk. MethodsComputer searches of Pub Med, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang database, Vip and SinoMed for all qualitative studies that met the inclusion criteria. The time frame for the search was from the establishment of the database to April 2024. Literature quality was assessed using the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care Qualitative Research quality assessment criteria, and results were summarised and integrated using a pooled integration approach. ResultsEleven studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and quality assessment were included in the meta synthesis. Three themes were identified during the analysis: (1)Factors affecting perceived cardiovascular risk in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; (2)Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy use different strategies to cope with cardiovascular risk; (3)Needs and expectations for coping with cardiovascular disease risk. ConclusionsBoth women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and healthcare providers lack knowledge of the link between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and cardiovascular risk. Healthcare professionals should establish a multidimensional support model, pay timely attention to postpartum women's psycho-emotional and risk awareness, and give individualised health education to promote health behaviour change. At the same time, professionals should be given standardised training and personalised follow-up services to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the future.

Accuracy of self-perceived cardiovascular disease risk and factors predicting risk underestimation in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in Ismailia, Egypt.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with women at higher risk after menopause. This increased risk is attributed to both aging and hormonal changes. Prior research has established a link between CVD risk perception and adopting healthy behaviors to prevent CVD. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of self-perceived CVD risk in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, and to identify factors that predict CVD risk underestimation among them. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the administrative sectors of Suez Canal University campus in Ismailia, Egypt, over a period of eight months starting in July 2022. A total of 390 eligible women (employees and workers) were randomly selected. Participants were interviewed to obtain data on demographics, medical history, self-perceived risk of CVD, self-perceived general health, awareness of factors that increase the risk of developing CVD, perceived stress, health literacy, numeracy, and self-perceived 10-year risk of developing major cardiovascular events. They also underwent measurements of blood pressure, weight, and height. The updated 2019 WHO/CVD risk non-laboratory-based prediction chart for the North Africa and Middle East Region was used to predict the 10-year risk of major cardiovascular events for the study participants. Risk accuracy was measured by comparing self-perceived CVD risk with predicted CVD risk. The ratio of self-perceived to predicted moderate/high CVD risk was 27.7% to 44.3%, respectively. The accuracy of CVD risk perception was 68.2%. Kappa analysis results showed fair and significant agreement between self-perceived and predicted CVD risk (kappa ± SE = 35.9 ± 4.1%, p < 0 .001). The proportion of women who underestimated their risks was 24.1%. Of those in the high-risk group, 93.3% underestimated their CVD risk, compared to 50.6% in the moderate-risk group. Factors that significantly predicted CVD risk underestimation included being married (aOR 14.5; 95% CI 1.4-149.9), low income (aOR 2.321; 95% CI 1.09-4.909), high BMI (aOR 4.78; 95% CI 1.9-11.9), hypertension (aOR 3.5; 95% CI 2-6.2), and old age (aOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.3-1.6). Approximately one-third of our study participants misperceived their CVD risk; of those who did, 75.8% underestimated it. Marital status, old age, low income, high BMI, and hypertension strongly predicted CVD risk underestimation. These findings identified the menopausal women subgroups that could benefit from targeted health interventions designed to reduce CVD risk underestimation and improve risk accuracy.

Effect of Comprehensive Educational Program on Preeclamptic Women's Risk Perception of Cardiovascular Disease, Self-Efficacy, and Adherence to Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors.

To evaluate the effect of a comprehensive educational program on preeclamptic women's knowledge, risk perception of cardiovascular disease, self-efficacy, and adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors. This study employed a pretest-posttest design. One hundred and two women who previously had preeclampsia were enrolled from July 2022 to December 2022 from outpatient obstetrics, gynecology, and family planning clinics. The primary and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline, after eight weeks, and after three months of the educational intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically the Chi-square test, independent t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups immediately post-intervention and the three-month follow-up, with a significant improvement among the intervention group than control group regarding cardiovascular disease knowledge (p < 0.001), risk perception (p < 0.001), self-efficacy (p < 0.001), and healthy lifestyle behaviors (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant interaction between group and time regarding total cardiovascular disease risk perception (F = 203.67, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.673), self-efficacy (F = 70.06, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.405), and adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors (F = 145.08, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.597). This study concluded that the comprehensive educational program had a positive effect on improving preeclamptic women's knowledge and risk perception of CVD, self-efficacy, and adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors following preeclampsia.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors prediction using deep learning convolutional neural networks

Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, prompting healthcare researchers to leverage analytical tools for comprehensive data analysis. This study focuses on exploring crucial parameters and employing deep learning (DL) techniques to enhance understanding and prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Utilizing SPSS and Weka tools, a cross-sectional and correlational design was employed to analyze extensive medical datasets. Binomial regression analysis revealed significant associations between age (𝑝 = 0.004) and body mass index (𝑝 = 0.002) with CVD development, highlighting their importance as risk factors. Leveraging Weka's DL algorithms, a predictive model was constructed to classify CVD causes. Particularly, convolutional neural networks (CNN) showcased remarkable accuracy, reaching 98.64%. The findings underscore the elevated risk of CVD among university students and employees in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures, including dietary improvements and increased physical activity. This study underscores the importance of further research to enhance CVD risk perception among students and individuals in similar settings.

Actual and Perceived Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among Sample of Iraqi Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Independent of conventional risk factors, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aims of the study: To evaluate the actual and perceived 10-year CVD risk among Iraqi patients with RA as well as their level of knowledge about CVD risk. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 RA patients (85 females and 15 males) who visited Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Rheumatology Unit from January 2021 till July 2021. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was used to calculate the actual 10-year risk of CVD. The Heart Disease Fact-Rheumatoid Arthritis Questionnaire (HDFQ-RA) was used to assess the subjects’ cardiovascular disease knowledge. Results: Among a hundred Iraqi patients with RA, the median age was 51.23 ± 8.4 years. The findings of the study revealed that 23% had high risk for CVD and 27% &amp; 50% had moderate and low risk respectively based on FRS calculator. The risk of CVD was significantly affected by the age of disease onset and seropositivity and steroid use (p value 0.001). When the perceived risk was compared to the actual risk of cardiovascular disease, there was a weak agreement between them, only 31% had corresponding answers. Conclusions: The study showed an elevated risk of CVD in rheumatoid arthritis patients, as well as a gap between actual and perceived CVD risk.

Impaired perception of cardiovascular risk and health literacy in individuals with high cardiovascular diseases risk from different socioeconomic levels in Antalya, Turkey.

This study aimed to determine how the frequency of impaired perception of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is correlated with health literacy in individuals with high CVD risk in two regions with different socioeconomic levels. A descriptive study was conducted. The Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation, recommended by the European and Turkish Cardiology Societies, provides recommendations based on individuals' actual CVD risk levels. According to the Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation, participants suffering from diseases were identified as high and very high risk. The perception of risk was determined by subjectively assessing the risk level of the individuals. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire was used. The Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-squared test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used to analyse the data. We also conducted a logistic regression analysis to identify factors contributing to impaired perception of CVD risk. A total of 384 individuals, aged between 40 and 70years (with a mean age of 58.35±8.33years), were included in the study. These individuals had a high risk of CVD and were registered to family health centres from two different socioeconomic levels. Out of the 384 participants, 201 individuals belonged to the lower socioeconomic level region and 183 individuals belonged to the higher socioeconomic level region. A total of 61.7% of the participants with high CVD risk had an impaired perception of CVD risk. The health literacy level of 59.9% of individuals was either inadequate or problematic. The health literacy score of participants with impaired risk perception (29.59±9.07) was lower than those with correct risk perception (35.83±10.94; P <0.001). Factors that affected the perception of CVD risk included age, education level, working status, occupation, a family history of CVD, the CVD risk assessment by health professionals and the recommendation of health professionals to individuals for CVD screening. It is necessary for health care professionals to make risk assessments and perform interventions to improve health literacy to raise the awareness of individuals with high CVD risk on their actual risk.

Actual and Perceived Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among Sample of Iraqi Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Independent of conventional risk factors, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aims of the Study: To evaluate the actual and perceived 10-year CVD risk among Iraqi patients with RA as well as their level of knowledge about CVD risk. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 RA patients (85 females and 15 males) who visited Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Rheumatology Unit from January 2021 to July 2021. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was used to calculate the actual 10-year risk of CVD. The Heart Disease Fact-Rheumatoid Arthritis Questionnaire (HDFQ-RA) was used to assess the subjects' knowledge of cardiovascular disease. Results: Among hundred Iraqi patients with RA, the median age was 51.23 8.4 years. The study's findings revealed that 23% had a high risk for CVD and 27% &amp; 50% had moderate and low risk, respectively, based on the FRS calculator. The risk of CVD was significantly affected by the age of disease onset and seropositivity and steroid use (p-value 0.001). When the perceived risk was compared to the actual risk of cardiovascular disease, there was a weak agreement between them; only 31% had corresponding answers. Conclusions: The study showed an elevated risk of CVD in rheumatoid arthritis patients and a gap between actual and perceived CVD risk.

Effects of the Omaha System- and HeartScore®-Based Impaired-Risk Perception Reduction Program on the Risk Perception of Individuals Aged 50-65 Years: A One-Group Pre-Test-Post-Test Study.

This study evaluates the impact of interventions in the Omaha System and HeartScore®-based program to reduce impaired-risk perception. and setting: This study utilized a one-group pre-test-post-test design. The program was conducted among participants aged over 50 years from different social settings. The program had three parts: a briefing on HeartScore® recommendations, Omaha System interventions, and referral to a doctor. HeartScore® determined cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight, and the International PA Questionnaire evaluated physical activity (PA) levels. Self-assessment was used to perceived CVD risk, BMI, and PA. We used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare the pre-test and post-test scores of the Omaha System, the problem rating scale (PRS) subscales and McNemar test to measure changes in CVD risk perception, BMI, and PA level. 310 high-risk individuals out of 522 had impaired perception of their CVD risk. Only 201 responded to follow-up phone calls. Interventions based on HeartScore® and Omaha System improved CVD risk and PA perceptions (P < .001) but not BMI. The program significantly increased knowledge, status, and behavior scores (P < .001). After participating, 39% saw a cardiologist, and 57.2% saw a family physician within six months to reduce impaired risk perception. CVD risk perception increased to the actual level after the intervention, mostly in the group with low education level. The program using the Omaha System and HeartScore® can help middle-aged individuals better understand their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Does a multi-component intervention including pictorial risk communication about subclinical atherosclerosis improve perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk without deteriorating efficacy beliefs?

BackgroundPictorial communication about subclinical atherosclerosis can improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but whether it leads to long-term shifts in self-rated CVD risk (risk perception) and beliefs about possibility to influence personal risk (efficacy beliefs) is unknown. PurposeTo study the impact of personalized color-coded and age-related risk communication about atherosclerosis and motivational conversation, compared to traditional risk factor-based communication, on risk perception and efficacy beliefs. Also, whether risk perception increases with message severity. MethodThe effect of the pragmatic RCT Visualization of Asymptomatic Atherosclerotic Disease for Optimum Cardiovascular Prevention (VIPVIZA) was analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with risk perception and efficacy believes at 1-year and 3-year follow up as dependent variables. Participants’ (n = 3532) CVD risk perception and efficacy beliefs were assessed with visual analog scales (0–10). Fixed effects were group (intervention vs control), time point (1 year or 3 years) and interaction between group and time point. Further, the models were adjusted for corresponding baseline measurement of the dependent variable and a baseline × time point interaction. Effect of pictorial color-coded risk in the intervention group was investigated using a corresponding mixed effects model, but with pictorial risk group (message severity) as exposure instead of intervention group. ResultsAfter one year, the intervention group rated their CVD risk as higher (m = 0.46, 95% CI 0.32–0.59), with an effect also after 3 years (m = 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.70). The effect was consistent in stratified analyses by sex and education. Overall, no effect on efficacy beliefs was observed. In the intervention group, differences in CVD risk perception were found between participants with different color-coded risk messages on atherosclerosis status. ConclusionPersonalized, color-coded and age-related risk communication about atherosclerosis had an effect on risk perception with an effect also after 3 years, whereas overall, no effect on efficacy beliefs was observed.

Using the Health Belief Model to Predict Self-Care Behaviors Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Perspective From the United Arab Emirates.

Data on how the health belief model constructs might predict the self-care behavior of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) 2019 pandemic are scarce. This study determines the predictors influencing patients' intention to adhere to self-care for CVD in the United Arab Emirates after the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A total of 222 patients with CVD were purposively selected. Three scales were used: Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease, Physical Activity Measurement, and Behavioral Intention Measurement. Various socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and the participants' health belief components were considered potential factors in the multivariate analysis to identify the independent predictors of the intention of self-care behaviors. The participants had a high level of perceived CVD risk (M = 4.02, SD = 0.714) and high level of perceived benefits regarding adopting healthy behavior (M = 4.30, SD = 0.817). The multiple linear regression revealed that not performing regular sweating exercises (β = 0.230), not receiving smoking cessation instructions (β = 0.214, p = .005), being sufficiently active (β = 0.304), and having no history of heart surgery (β = 0.155) were the independent predictors of low intention scores. The perceived benefits and perceived cues to the action of the Health Belief Model (HBM) were significant independent predictors of behavior intention and were responsible for a 22% increase in the participants' intention variances. In a post-COVID CVD, this investigation delineated perceived benefits and cues to action derived from the HBM as the most robust prognosticators of behavioral intention (accounting for 47% of the variance), superseding sociodemographic and clinical parameters (explaining 25% of the variance). These results advocate for tailored interventions accentuating individual advantages and explicit prompts for behavioral modifications within this demographic.

Intersectional Microaggressions and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Perception in Bisexual Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), or heart diseases, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality nationwide. Separate bodies of research indicate that Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) individuals and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) demonstrate high risk for CVD and report greater levels of intersectional microaggressions compared with their Heterosexual White and BIPOC counterparts. Within LGB communities, Bisexual individuals report more discrimination that is associated with more CVD risk factors compared with their Heterosexual and Lesbian and Gay (LG) counterparts. Research has not examined differences in the rates of CVD risk factors between Bisexual and LG BIPOC or the associations between intersectional microaggressions and heart disease risk perception in LGB BIPOC, a relevant construct correlated with health behavior and objective risk. Participants (N= 264) self-identified as LGB BIPOC and filled out measures on their CVD risk factors, CVD risk perception, and experiences of intersectional microaggressions or intersectional minority stress. Results showed that Bisexual and LG BIPOC reported similar odds for CVD risk factors. Intersectional minority stress and CVD risk perception were positively associated with Bisexual participants only. Findings underscore the importance of extending beyond traditional biomedical frameworks of CVD risk and recognizing the unique contribution of intersectional microaggressions for LGB BIPOC, with strong associations of intersectional minority stress for Bisexual BIPOC heart health.

Barriers and Facilitators to Risk Reduction of Cardiovascular Disease in Hypertensive Patients in Nigeria.

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the prevalence of hypertension is increasing due to many factors like rapid population growth, globalization, stress, and urbanization. We aimed to characterize the perceptions of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among individuals with hypertension living in Nigeria and identify barriers and facilitators to optimal hypertension management. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted at a large teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. We used a convenient sample of males and females, aged 18 or older, with a diagnosis of hypertension who presented for outpatient visits in the cardiology, nephrology, or family medicine clinics between November 1 and 30, 2020. A semiquantitative approach was utilized with a survey consisting of closed and open-ended questionnaires focused on patient knowledge, perceptions of CVD risk, and barriers and facilitators of behavioral modifications to reduce CVD risk. There were 256 subjects, and 62% were female. The mean age was 58.3 years (standard deviation (SD) = 12.6). The mean duration of the hypertension diagnosis was 10.1 years. Most participants were quite knowledgeable about hypertension; however, we observed some knowledge gaps, including a belief that too much "worrying or overthinking" was a major cause of hypertension and that an absence of symptoms indicated that hypertension was under control. Barriers to hypertension management include age, discomfort or pain, and lack of time as barriers to exercise. Tasteless meals and having to cook for multiple household members were barriers to decreasing salt intake. Cost and difficulty obtaining medications were barriers to medication adherence. Primary facilitators were family support or encouragement and incorporating lifestyle modifications into daily routines. We identified knowledge gaps about hypertension and CVD among our study population. These gaps enable opportunities to develop targeted interventions by healthcare providers, healthcare systems, and local governments. Our findings also help in the promotion of community-based interventions that address barriers to hypertension control and promote community and family involvement in hypertension management in these settings.

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.

Cardiovascular disease risk perceptions and influencing factors among Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients (SLE) are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events than the general population. This study aimed to investigate the risk perception of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to analyze its influence factors among Chinese SLE patients. This was a cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling was used to select 201 patients with SLE who had attended the outpatient and inpatient departments of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China from November 2022 to March 2023. The following were used in the study: the Chinese version of the Attitudes and Beliefs about Cardiovascular Disease Risk Questionnaire, the Social Support Rating Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Health Literacy Management Scale, and sociodemographic and disease-related data. The mean (standard deviation) risk perception score of CVD patients with SLE was 57.18 ± 13.02. A Pearson correlation analysis showed that CVD risk perceptions were positively correlated with health literacy (r = 0.152, p < .05) and depression (r = 0.277, p < .05), and negatively correlated with social support (r = -0.393, p < .05) and psychological resilience (r = -0.374, p < .05). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), family history, health literacy, depression, social support, and psychological resilience were the main factors influencing CVD risk perceptions among Chinese SLE patients (p < .05). Body mass index, family history, health literacy, depression, social support, and psychological resilience influenced CVD risk perceptions among Chinese SLE patients. Healthcare workers should objectively and accurately assess the levels of CVD risk perception among SLE patients, identify the risk factors of CVD, adopt effective health risk communication strategies to help patients develop appropriate risk perceptions, and raise risk awareness to adopt active coping approaches to reduce risk.

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.

Associations among risk perception, health efficacy, and health behaviors for cardiovascular disease: an application of risk perception attitude framework.

There is currently a pervasive prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk worldwide and an inadequate amount of action is being taken to promote healthy lifestyle habits. The risk perception attitude (RPA) framework, which classifies individuals based on their risk perception and efficacy belief, enables us to predict their preventive behaviors. We applied the RPA framework to analyze CVD prevention behaviors among Chinese adults and extended its application to CVD objective risk. A cross-sectional survey was performed in two sites in Zhejiang Province, from March to August 2022, which contained self-reported CVD risk perception, objective CVD risk, efficacy belief, physical activity, healthy diet, and covariates. We used the RPA framework to categorize participants into four groups, then analysis was conducted to estimate inter-group differences in healthy behaviors. We further conducted a hierarchical logistic regression analysis with individuals' health behaviors as the dependent variable, using three blocks of independent variables. Among 739 participants, healthy physical activity and healthy diet had significant differences among four RPA groups, post hoc tests clarified that the proportion of respondents with healthy PA in the responsive group (61.6%) was significantly higher than that in the other three groups. Risk perception and efficacy belief significantly predicted health behavior against CVD; the relationship between absolute CVD risk and health behavior was moderated by efficacy belief. Early CVD risk screening is crucial, but tailored support and a proper understanding of personal risk are essential to promote healthy behaviors. Developing communication and behavioral counseling intervention strategies on the basis of the RPA framework has the potential to promote healthy behaviors for CVD prevention.

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.