Evaluation of Knowledge about Risk Factors of Heart Disease in Tabuk City between Adult Population

Abstract

Background: According to World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease especially coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death globally and one of the major health burdens worldwide. A report released by the Media and Health Awareness Information Center at the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Saudi Arabia, pointed out that, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart attacks and strokes, are the cause of 42 percent of the Kingdom's non-communicable diseases deaths in 2010. Vascular injury accumulates in adolescence, making it necessary for primary preventive measures to be taken from childhood. Therefore, there is increasing emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy diet, exercise and avoidance of smoking. Methods: We have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in Tabuk city population, Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted during the period from May to September 2017. The participants were selected by random sampling. Sampling was stratified for the different geographical areas of the city. The total sample obtained was 460. All the pupils were approached to obtain the desired sample size. A self-administered questionnaire about heart disease risk factors knowledge and awareness was filled by participants. Results: the majority of participants showed right answers and were aware about some of the risk factors of heart disease. The majority agreed to the following statements: (Being overweight increases a person's risk for heart disease-96.7%), (Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease-92.4%), (High cholesterol is a risk factor for developing heart disease-92.4%) and (High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease-86.5%). Conclusion: more attention is needed on primary prevention programs that focus on diet, exercise and the danger of heart disease and its risk factors should be emphasized.