Published November 25, 2021 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Knowledge and awareness on cardiovascular diseases among the Iraqi population

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
  • 2. University of Kufa, Kufa, Iraq
  • 3. Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital, Wasit Health Directorate, Wasit, Iraq

Description

This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge on cardiovascular diseases among the Iraqi population. The sample was convenient and included all populations aged between 18-80 years old. Data were collected during the period from 1st to 15th of August using a structured questionnaire which was distributed to the participants via Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp. All data were entered into the computer software program SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis. Association between variables was assessed by Chi-square test and independent-sample t-test accordingly. The 974 respondents were with a mean age of 37 years. Females represented 71% of them. Around 18% had an overall poor knowledge, whereas 49% and 33 % had moderate and good knowledge respectively. More than two-thirds of respondents (69.8%) identified coronary heart disease as a type of CVDs. Chest pain or discomfort was distinguished as a symptom of heart attack by 84%. Sudden confusion or disturbed consciousness was recognized by 73% as warning symptoms of stroke, whereas severe headache of unknown cause was recognized by only 48%. Most of the participants (91.2%) knew that obesity is a risk factor for this disease, but only 55% identified diabetes as its cause. Overall knowledge related to CVDs is acceptable. Unsatisfactory awareness about types and warning symptoms of CVDs although of good awareness about risk factors. Important determinants of knowledge on CVDs are gender, educational level, residence, monthly income, body mass index, family history of CVDs, perception of lifestyle, and personal history of diabetes or hypertension. The researchers recommend further studies including different educational and socioeconomic classes.

Files

IRJSTEM-Volume1_No2_Paper3.pdf

Files (714.0 kB)

Name Size Download all
md5:b1fdd6b90c9ba2df653160c5b2b3c64b
714.0 kB Preview Download

Additional details

References

  • Abdo, N., Mortada,E., El Seifi, O. Effect of Knowledge About Cardiovascular Diseases on Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Among Freshmen of Zagazig University: An Intervention Study. The Open Public Health Journal, 12, 300-308. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874944501912010300
  • Albugami, S., Al-Husayni, F., Bakhsh, L., Alhameed, F., Alsulami, A., Abumelha, K., Balubaid, M., Al-Harbi, M., Mufti, H.N.. (2020). Correction: the perception of coronary artery disease and cardiac catheterization in Saudi Arabia: "What the public know". Cureus, 12(1), c27. https://doi.org/ 10.7759/cureus.c27
  • Alghamdi, A., Alzahrani, M., Alsolami, B., Thabet, S., Alghamdi, B., Kinsara, A. (2021). A Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Study Assessing the Level of Awareness and Insight Related to Cardiovascular Diseases. Cureus, 13(6), e15681. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.15681
  • Amadi, C., Lawal, F., Mbakwem, A., Ajuluchukwu, J., Oke, D. (2019). Correction to: Knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and practice of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease by Community Pharmacists in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 42(1), 293-293. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-018-0744-3
  • American Heart Association (AHC). (May 31, 2017). What is cardiovascular disease?. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease
  • Aminde, L.N., Takah, N., Ngwasiri, C. Noubiap, J., Tindong, M., Dzudie, A., & Veerman, J. L. (2017). Population awareness of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in Buea, Cameroon. BMC Public Health, 17, 545. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4477-3
  • Awad, A., and Al-Nafisi, H. (2014). Public knowledge of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in Kuwait: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health, 14, 1131. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-1131
  • Boateng, D., Wekesah, F., Browne, J., Agyemang, C., Agyei-Baffour, P., Aikins, A.,Smit, H., Grobbee, D., Klipstein-Grobusch, K. (2017). Knowledge and awareness of and perception towards cardiovascular disease risk in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 12(12), e0189264. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189264
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2014). Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. Growth Chart Training; Calculating BMI Using the Metric System. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/growthcharts/training/bmiage/page5_1.html
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Overweight & Obesity. Adult Overweight & Obesity. Adult Body Mass Index. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining.html
  • Cleveland Clinic. (03/16/2021). Cardiovascular Disease. (03/16/2021). Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21493-cardiovascular-disease
  • Fahs, I., Khalife, Z., Malaeb, D., Iskandarani, M., Salameh, P. (2017). The prevalence and awareness of cardiovascular diseases risk factors among the Lebanese population: a prospective study comparing urban to rural populations. Cardiol Res Pract., 2017, 3530902. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3530902
  • Ganassin, G. S., Silva, E. M., Pimenta, A. M., & Marcon, S. S. (2016). Efficacy of an educative intervention on knowledge related to cardiovascular diseases among men. Acta Paul Enferm., 29(1), 38-46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982- 0194201600006
  • GBD 2015 Eastern Mediterranean Region Cardiovascular Disease Collaborators. (2018). Burden of cardiovascular diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990–2015: findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2015 study. Int J Public Health, 63, 137–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-017-1012-3
  • Güneş, F., Bekiroglu, N., Imeryuz, N., Agirbasli, M. (2019). Awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among university students in Turkey. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 20, e 127. https://doi.org/10.1017/S146342361900063X
  • Ibrahim, M., Rahman, N., Haque, M. (2016). Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Malaysian Public University Students on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases. J Appl Pharm Sci., 6(02), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.7324/japs.2016.60208.
  • Jafary, F. H., Aslam, F., Mahmud, H., Waheed, A., Shakir, M., Afzal, A., Qayyum, M. A., Akram, J., Khan, I. S., & Haque, I. U. (2005). Cardiovascular health knowledge and behavior in patient attendants at four tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan--a cause for concern. BMC public health, 5, 124. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-5-124
  • Koohi, F., & Khalili, D. (2020). Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Cardiovascular Diseases in Adults Attending Health Care Centers in Tehran, Iran, Int J Endocrinol Metab., 18(3), e101612. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijem.101612
  • McKinley, S., Dracup, K., Moser, D. K., Ball, C., Yamasaki, K., Kim, C. J., & Barnett, M. (2004). International comparison of factors associated with delay in presentation for AMI treatment. European journal of cardiovascular nursing: journal of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Nursing of the European Society of Cardiology, 3(3), 225–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2004.06.004
  • Mujamammi, A. H., Alluhaymid, Y. M., Alshibani, M. G., Alotaibi, F. Y., Alzahrani, K. M., Alotaibi, A. B., Almasabi, A. A., & Sabi, E. M. (2020). Awareness of cardiovascular disease associated risk factors among Saudis in Riyadh City. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 9(6), 3100–3105. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_458_20
  • Muntner, P., Woodward, M., Mann, D. M., Shimbo, D., Michos, E. D., Blumenthal, R. S., Carson, A. P., Chen, H., & Arnett, D. K. (2010). Comparison of the Framingham Heart Study hypertension model with blood pressure alone in the prediction of risk of hypertension: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Hypertension, 55(6), 1339–1345. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.109.149609
  • National Health Services (NHS). (17 September 2018). Cardiovascular disease. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/
  • Pourhoseingholi, M.A., Vahedi, M., Rahimzadeh, M. (2013). Sample size calculation in medical studies. Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench, 6(1), 14-17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24834239/
  • Vaidya, A., Aryal, U. R., & Krettek, A. (2013). Cardiovascular health knowledge, attitude and practice/behaviour in an urbanising community of Nepal: a population-based cross-sectional study from Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site. BMJ open, 3(10), e002976. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002976
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2007). Prevention of cardiovascular disease. Guidelines for assessment and management of cardiovascular risk. https://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/guidelines/Full%20text.pdf
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2021a). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2021b) Iraq | Priority areas | Noncommunicable diseases. http://www.emro.who.int/iraq/priority-areas/noncommunicable-diseases.html
  • World Health Rankings. (2021). Live Longer Live Better. Iraq Health Profile. https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/iraq-coronary-heart-disease