Patient's level of information on prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Introduction and goal: Cardiovascular diseases constitute one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the Czech Republic.1 As compared to Western European countries, the incidence of such diseases is still higher in the Czech Republic. Cardiovascular diseases include a number of forms of heart and vessel diseases.2 They are most frequently: ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, ischaemic disease of lower extremities and hypertension. Some risk factors can be influenced. The influenceable factors include healthy life style that, for prevention of cardiovascular diseases, most frequently covers stopping smoking, alcohol drinking, healthy diet with reduction of animal fats, sufficient exercise, avoiding excessive mental strain.3 The extensive research project was focused on preventive interventions in cardiology. The goal of this article consists of presenting partial data from an extensive research, which are focused on the patients' knowledge in the area of influenceable risk factors. Methods: The study was implemented under use of quantitative research. The questionnaire research took place in April 2016. The data were processed in SASD 1.4.12 Program. The degree of dependence of selected characteristics was determined based on χ2, t-test and independence test. The research set consisted of 1992 citizens of the Czech Republic. Results: The research set is representative for individual groups of Czech citizens aged 40 years and more. The questionnaire was focused on the knowledge of patients in the area of influenceable risk factors. The respondents have got the information on prevention of cardiovascular diseases primarily from the physician (76.3%), from a family member (40.8%), from the Internet (38.6%), from general nurses (31.7%), from mass media (30.1%), and from friends (24.9%). Expert publications were reported by the respondents as further sources. Younger people search information on healthy life style more frequently in the Internet while older citizens prefer getting information from the healthcare staff. The most respondents want to get information primarily from the physician (80.9%). The most citizens (93%) consider the information on prevention useful. Conclusion: The analysis of the acquired data shows that the citizens get the information on influenceable risk factors primarily from the physicians, followed by family members and the Internet. This is an important finding for medical and particularly for non-medical healthcare workers. If we want to improve the preventive activities, reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases or reduce the risk of complications, adequate education is indispensable. The healthcare staff, both physicians and nurses, should be in the foreground and pass the proper information to the patients.