Objective:
This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors among the general population in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia from March to May, 2023. A total of 404 individuals were recruited through random sampling method. Using a standardized questionnaire, demographic information was gathered, and knowledge of CVD risk factors was assessed.
Results:
Majority of the participants (n=319, 79.0%) were between the ages of 18 and 40 years. Additionally, 54.7% (n=221) participants were female. The most prevalent risk factor was smoking (n=351, 87.6%), followed by high blood cholesterol (n=300, 74.3%), obesity (n=299, 74.0%), hypertension (n=287, 71.0%), diabetes (n=211, 52.2%), and a family history of CVDs (n=200, 49.5%). Majority of the participants reported physical activity and healthy eating habit as preventive measures for CVDs. However, there were knowledge gaps regarding certain symptoms of CVD and the suggested frequency for screening serum cholesterol. More than half (n=225, 55.7%) individuals had a proper awareness of CVD risk factors, with residency and age being significant predictors of knowledge level.
Conclusion:
This study emphasized the need for focused education and awareness initiatives to improve the knowledge of CVDs and their risk factors among the Al-Baha region population, especially among individuals with limited knowledge. Residency and age were found to be the key factors in determining knowledge levels, highlighting the importance of interventions that are tailored to specific populations.
Key words: Prevention, cardiovascular disease, awareness, risk factors, Saudi Arabia.
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