Unveiling Heart Health: A National Sociodemographic Exploration of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies in Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study explores cardiovascular disease risk factors and public awareness in Saudi Arabia, finding gaps in knowledge and behavior that need targeted health strategies.

Contribution

The study is the first to assess public knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding cardiovascular diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Findings

Only 60% of participants showed good knowledge about cardiovascular diseases.

Low attitude and practice scores were observed, with 26.6% and 9.5% respectively.

Sociodemographic differences significantly influenced KAP scores.

Abstract

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand out as the chief cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and in Saudi Arabia due to a variety of causes and risk factors, some of which are modifiable, and others are non-modifiable. Although many studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to estimate the incidence of CVD cases, there has not been a published study that assessed the public knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of CVD, its risk factors, and the primary interventions that can be carried out to alleviate this crucial health burden.

Methodology

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among the different regions of Saudi Arabia, using a questionnaire adapted from a previous study, aiming to assess the public’s KAP to identify the misconceptions and cover up the gaps among the general Saudi population, contributing to the development of proper awareness raising and educational programs to educate the public about it.

Results

Out of 1,836 participants, good KAP values were 60.0%, 26.6%, and 9.5%, respectively. Calculated p-values vary among different sociodemographic groups.

Conclusion

The study reveals moderate knowledge among participants, accompanied by a low attitude and practice, highlighting the need for the development of targeted public health strategies to enhance their knowledge, strengthen their attitude, and encourage them to practice behaviors that support their cardiovascular health.

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