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

Knowledge of cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors in the general adult population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study examining gender disparities

To assess knowledge about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among the general population, we emphasized gender-related disparities and other lifestyle and health-related factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 individuals from the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge of CVD types, symptoms, and risk factors. The majority of participants identified coronary heart disease (73.7%) as having CVD, with no sex effect. Males had higher knowledge regarding cerebrovascular disease (44% vs 31.5%) and congenital heart diseases (60% vs 51.9%) as being part of CVD, while they had lower knowledge of peripheral arterial disease (44% vs 50.7%) than females, respectively (P < .05). Males exhibited better knowledge of heart attack and stroke symptoms than females. Knowledge was optimal for major CVD risk factors, such as smoking (90.6%) and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (85.1%); however, gaps were observed in recognizing diabetes (56.2%) and stress (69.4%) as factors for CVD. The mean overall knowledge score was 16.33 ± 5.72 25, with no difference between sexes (P = .239). Predictors of good CVD knowledge included university-level education, daily healthy food consumption, and perceived life as highly stressful; nonetheless, sex showed no significant effect. While the general population displayed a suboptimal understanding of CVD, notable sex disparities were observed, highlighting the need for tailored public health interventions. Emphasizing cognitive and behavioral aspects can foster better prevention and management strategies, given the evident gender disparities.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among older individuals of rural Bangladesh: findings from a face-to-face interview

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand as the foremost contributor to global mortality, claiming roughly 17.9 million lives each year, constituting 32.1% of total fatalities. Their impact is notably profound in economies such as Bangladesh, exacting a substantial economic burden. Consequently, grasping the landscape of knowledge, attitudes, and practices is essential for timely identification and prevention strategies.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, carried out between January and May 2023 in the rural regions of Zirani, Savar Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh, utilized convenient sampling and conducted face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. It encompassed socio-demographic factors, as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning CVDs. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analyses, utilizing both the R programming language and SPSS (Version 26).

Result

A total of 424 participants aged 60 years and above were included. The majority were male (60.8%), and the mean age was 71.21 ± 9.21 years, 57.3% were between 60 and 70 years old. Factors such as education, monthly family income, high blood pressure, diabetes, and non-smoking. Were significantly associated with higher knowledge, attitudes and practices scores.

Conclusion

This study illuminates CVD-related KAP among rural Older Individuals in Bangladesh, revealing significant associations between factors such as education, monthly family income, high blood pressure, and non-smoking, with higher scores in knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cardiovascular health. These insights underscore the importance of addressing socio-economic factors and health behaviors in developing targeted interventions for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases in this demographic.

Drivers of cardiovascular disease risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are increasing in many sub-Saharan African countries and disproportionately affecting communities in urban slums. Despite this, the contextual factors that influence CVD risk among slum communities have not been fully documented to guide interventions to prevent and control the disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the drivers of CVD risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda.

METHODS

This qualitative study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data among slum residents. A total of 10 FGDs separate for gender and age group were held in community public places. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and transcripts analysed thematically with the aid of Atlas ti 7.0. Study themes and sub-themes are presented supported by participant quotations.

RESULTS

Five themes highlighted the drivers of CVD risk factors in slum communities. (1) Poverty: a critical underlying factor which impacted access and choice of food, work, and housing. (2) Poverty-induced stress: a key intermediate factor that led to precarious living with smoking and alcohol use as coping measures. (3) The social environment which included socialisation through drinking and smoking, and family and peers modelling behaviours. (4) The physical environment such as the high availability of affordable alcohol and access to amenities for physical activity and healthy foods. (5) Knowledge and information about CVD risk factors which included understanding of a healthy diet and the dangers of smoking and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

To address CVD risk in slums, broad-ranging multisectoral interventions are required, including economic empowerment of the slum population, stress reduction and coping interventions, and alcohol legislation. Also, there is a need for community CVD sensitisation and screening as well as increasing access to physical activity amenities and healthy foods within slums.