ASSOCIATION OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTORS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes and behavioral risk factors and their
association with CAD.

Methodology: We conducted a hospital based, case control study in two major
hospitals in Peshawar Individuals who
were well oriented in time, space and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study
were selected. Patients with diagnosed CAD were selected as per Monica criteria.
The cases and controls were matched on the basis of their gender, age,
occupation and level of education. An original questionnaire was used for data
collection. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20 and presented in the
formof graphs and text.

Results: About 177 patients were selected, out of which 59 were cases and 118
were controls (1:2). Our study showed a significant association between lack of
knowledge of risk factors of CAD and the odds of developing CAD. Participants
with poor knowledge scores were 3.73 times more likely to develop CAD than
those with good knowledge scores. People with poor attitude scores were 9.34
times more likely to suffer from heart disease. Smoking and high carbohydrate
diet were the most significant risk factors among the participants.

Conclusion: On the basis of findings of our study, we conclude that knowledge
and attitude significantly affects the development of coronary artery disease and
there is a strong relationship between the KAP variables and behavioral risk
factors of CAD. Educating general population about CAD and its risk factors can
significantly reduce the incidence of CAD.

Key Words: Coronary Artery Disease, Knowledge, Attitude and Behavioral Risk
Factors