# Insights into cardiovascular health: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

## TL;DR

This study examines how people in the Kurdistan region of Iraq understand and manage cardiovascular disease risks, finding a gap between awareness and healthy behaviors.

## Contribution

The study provides region-specific insights into cardiovascular health knowledge and practices in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

## Key findings

- High awareness of CVD risk factors like smoking and hypertension exists, but many do not adopt healthy practices.
- Younger adults and those with lower education are less likely to engage in healthy behaviors despite awareness.
- KAP scores were higher among females, married individuals, healthcare workers, and those with a family history of CVD.

## Abstract

This study aimed to explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors among the Iraqi Kurdistan population to identify gaps and guide public health strategies for better cardiovascular health outcomes.

A population-based study.

This population-based study was conducted in Duhok Province and the Zakho Independent Administration within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq from April 20, 2024, to June 15, 2024. A total of 784 participants were enrolled in the study. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews in various public settings using a questionnaire comprising 26 items divided into four sections: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

The mean age of the study participants was 32.48 ± 13.63 years. Females made up (54 %) of the sample, and more than half had university or postgraduate education. While a majority recognized smoking (92.1 %), hypertension (81.5 %), and high cholesterol (86.2 %) as significant CVD risk factors, (31.7 %) were unaware that diabetes increases CVD risk. Despite high awareness, only (29.7 %) regularly exercised, and (34.6 %) consumed fast food regularly. The mean KAP score was 20.66 ± 2.63 out of 25, which manifests that participant had good KAP scores toward cardiovascular disease risk factors. The KAP scores were significantly higher among females, married individuals, healthcare workers, non-smokers, those with a family history of CVD, and individuals who obtained their knowledge from physicians.

This study reveals a gap between knowledge and practice regarding CVD risk factors in the Kurdistan Region. Awareness is high, but many, especially younger adults and those with lower education, fail to adopt healthy practices. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to promote behavioral changes.