Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of nursing professionals and students in Beijing toward cardiovascular disease risk reduction

Abstract

The rising incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China intensifies the need for effective health education for CVD risk reduction. The purpose of this study was to develop a description of nurses' knowledge about, attitudes toward, practice behaviors, and personal lifestyle behaviors related to CVD risk reduction. We surveyed 273 staff nurses, 35 nursing faculty, and 139 nursing students in Beijing. Most nurses could identify common risk factors for CVD and had positive attitudes toward CVD risk reduction. However, less than 58% of the respondents could correctly answer questions about evidence-based recommendations for CVD risk reduction. This sample of Chinese nursing professionals and students lacked knowledge critical to providing guidance to individuals with or at risk for CVD. More intensive and creative approaches to the education of nursing professionals regarding CVD risk reduction are recommended. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.