The Prevalence of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Najran Region, Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study explores the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors and knowledge gaps in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia.

Contribution

It is one of the first studies to investigate CVD knowledge, prevalence, and drug use in this specific region.

Findings

Around one-fifth of participants reported CVD in themselves or family members, with arrhythmia being most common.

Most CVD patients underwent blood tests, cardiac catheterization, or ECG, and the majority attended regular medical appointments.

Participants showed a lack of CVD knowledge, highlighting the need for targeted educational initiatives.

Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to investigate the knowledge, prevalence, and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among individuals in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia. In the Najran region of Saudi Arabia, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted. Between September and October 2023, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of the general population aged 18 and up. The survey instrument asked about history and exposure, physician-diagnosed illnesses, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), medication use, and other risk factors. This research had a total of 2046 individuals. Around one-fifth of the study participants reported that they or a family member suffered from CVD, and arrhythmia was the most commonly reported; blood tests, cardiac catheterization, and ECG were the most commonly reported tests performed for CVD patients, around one-tenth of CVD patients reported that they do not have any chronic diseases other than CVD, and the vast majority of the patients confirmed their regular medical appointments. This is one of the first studies to investigate the knowledge, prevalence, and use of CVD drugs among individuals in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia. The study participants’ lack of knowledge about CVD could lead to ineffective preventive measures and poor patient outcomes. The study’s findings underscore the crucial need for more extensive and efficient educational initiatives that consider the targeted population’s talents, attitudes, and perceptions.