Awareness of cardiovascular disease associated risk factors among Saudis in Riyadh City

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the awareness of Saudi population in Riyadh regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that used self-administered questionnaires conducted in universities, primary care centers, and electronic copies distributed in social media websites. Results: Overall, 47.1% of the respondents had a good awareness of CVD and associated risk factors. However, awareness of the symptoms of stroke and heart attack was low. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis were the most commonly identified types of CVD, with 39.2% aware of these conditions. The most well-known symptom of heart attack was shortness of breath (known by 54.4% of the respondents). In relation to stroke, the most commonly recognized symptom was “sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance” (45.4%). Respondents’ awareness of CVD risk factors was moderate. The most common factors—identified by over two-thirds of participants—were unhealthy diet, smoking, dyslipidemia, and physical inactivity. Independent predictors of good CVD awareness were age 35–44 years, living in the north of Riyadh and following a healthy diet. Conclusions: The awareness of CVD and associated risk factors is insufficient among Saudis in Riyadh City. This study emphasizes the necessity for effective education to increase the awareness about CVD in Saudi Arabia. High awareness may lead to early recognition of the risk factors and lead to early implementation of primary prevention which the cornerstone of family medicine practice.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Diseases Knowledge and Risk Factors Among Adult Population in the South Region of Saudi Arabia

“…Family history of CVD, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes was less frequently identified by participants as risk factors for developing CVDs. These results are congruent with those of studies conducted in Saudi Arabia (Alghamdi et al, 2021; Mujamammi et al, 2020), Kuwait (Awad & Al-Nafisi, 2014), and Jordan (Mukattash et al, 2012).…”

“…A combination of unhealthy diet and lack of exercise are the main reason behind overweight and obesity. Mujamammi et al (2020) conducted an awareness study of CVDs associated risk factors among Saudis in Riyadh city and have reported that the most factors were unhealthy diet, smoking, dyslipidemia, and physical inactivity.…”

Awareness of Preventive Measures of Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Attack Warning Symptoms: Gender-based Differences

“…Conversely, a few of the respondents recognized the most common heart attack symptoms (i.e., jaw and neck pain). Similarly, respondents in previous studies in Riyadh (Mujamammi et al, 2020) and Cameron (Aminde et al, 2017) reported shortness of breath as a heart attack warning symptom. Other significant symptoms, such as pain in the left arm or shoulder, pain in the jaw, weakness, or light-headedness, were identified only by a minority of the respondents, similar to a previous study (Aminde et al, 2017).…”

“…The researchers developed a three-section questionnaire after an extensive review of relevant literature (Alotaibi et al, 2018;Aminde et al, 2017;Awad & Al-Nafisi, 2014;Mujamammi et al, 2020). First section: Background Data Sheet It consisted of 13 items related to sociodemographic and biomedical data of the study sample.…”

Awareness of Smoking as a Risk Factor for Bladder Cancer in Taif City

“…Despite the awareness, all the smokers (100%) in this study continue to smoke. A recent study done in the city of Riyadh among Saudi citizens showed that approximately 75% of the participants considered smoking as a risk factor for CVDs (Mujamammi et al, 2020). The prevalence of CVDs in Saudi Arabia is rising, and tobacco smokers are at increased risk of suffering from morbidities and mortalities related to it (Alhabib et al, 2020).…”