Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of coronary heart disease among population in Kirkuk city

Abstract

Background: "Coronary heart disease" (CHD), "also known as coronary artery disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply oxygen and blood to the heart". "Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common form of heart disease and the single most important cause of premature death in Europe, the Baltic states, Russia, North and South America, Australia and New Zealand. By 2020 it is estimated that it will be the major cause of death in all regions of the world".

Aims of study (objectives): The aim of this study is to identify the attitude of Kirkuk city people toward CHD, determining their level of knowledge about its symptoms and categorize its risk factors.

Patients & methods: This is a cross sectional study done in Kirkuk city based on direct face to face interviews using a questionnaire. This questionnaire was developed by the lead researcher to identify people's knowledge, attitude and practices toward CHD. A total of 375 sample of male and female of different educational level and of age starting from 15 year and above were selected randomly from Puplic Kirkuk hospital, Azadi hospital attainders, patients and visitors. A cross sectional study depend on direct face to face interviews using a questionnaire, several testes were used to determine the presence of selected factors and what can affect people's knowledge (example: the symptoms of CHD), attitude (by Having CHD risk factor or not) and the practices (what would be the patients choice when he have the attack) of the CHD.

Results: of the 375 people sampled, 235 were male and 140 were female. Smoking, hypertension and high blood cholesterol; were the most popular risk factors that most of the patients mentioned it spontaneously. The educational level significantly associated with knowledge and attitude for CHD. Emergency management had significant value. The degree of knowledge about the risk factor of coronary heart disease in comparative way between male and female in Kirkuk city was significant .Knowledge of people about the practice of coronary heart disease is 72%; of this 71% male and 78% female. Percent of knowledge about the practices of coronary heart disease in Kirkuk city by gender was not significant.

Conclusions and recommendations: Findings from this study suggest that middle and older aged people in Kirkuk city have only limited knowledge regarding CHD risk factors. Therefore, people living in this City may need even more attention and a resource regarding CHD symptoms, risk factors and treatment options as it is a common cause of mortality