KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AMONG PEOPLE IN SOUTH INDIA: A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY

Abstract

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the world. While it is well established as the foremost contributor to mortality in most developed countries, it is also a major and rapidly rising cause of death in many developing countries. To assess the existing knowledge of people regarding cardiovascular risk factors. This community based descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk factors among community people. They were selected through Non probability convenient sampling and pre-validated semi-structured questionnaire related to various aspects of cardiovascular risk factors used. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 and the results expressed as proportion. A total of 100 community people surveyed, majority of the participants (98%) had average level of knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk factors. There was a significant association between knowledge and age (x2 =5.09, p<0.05). There was a significant association between knowledge and education (X2 =4.38, p<0.05). Majority of the participants (76%) did not have family history of heart diseases. The study reflects that majority of the participants (98%) had average level of knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk factors. Hence it is necessary to educate the people in community regarding cardio vascular risk factors.