Awareness of disease and risk factors among patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Government general hospital Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Ischemic heart disease among is the most common causes of death and disability in the world. The Indian subcontinent (including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) has among the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally. Previous reports have highlighted the high CVD rates among South Asian immigrants living in Western countries, but the enormous CVD burden within the Indian subcontinent itself has been underemphasized. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Government General Hospital, Kurnool. Twenty consecutive patients with documented Ischemic Heart disease admitted in Cardiac Care Unit, and Cardiac Ward were enrolled. Patients were interviewed with structured questionnaire enquiring into their awareness of risk factors for Ischemic Heart disease and their knowledge level regarding disease. To assess knowledge and identify risk factors, an in-depth structured interview was conducted with structured interview questionnaire which included 66 questions. Results: Awareness of risk factors was high for smoking, hypertension, inadequate exercise, stress in family, use of ground nut oil in cooking, A-Type personality and no exercises among patients with ischemic heart disease. A majority 9 (45%) of patients had average level of knowledge regarding risk factors of Ischemic heart disease, whereas 7 (35%) of participants had below average and 4 (20%) had above average level of knowledge. Conclusion: An Indian population in a hospital setting shows a lack of knowledge relating to modifiable risk factors of ischemic heart disease. By segregating demographic predictors of poor knowledge, such as current smokers and persons who do not exercise regularly, educational interventions can be effectively targeted and executed as primary and secondary prevention strategies to reduce the problem of ischemic heart disease in India. Keyword: Ischemic Heart Disease, Risk factors, Awareness.