Knowledge, attitudes and cardiovascular risk factors in Danish adults

A community cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programme was undertaken in 1989 in a Danish County (Vejle). A random sample of 5192 adults were asked to complete a mailed questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour in relation to CVD risk factors. The response rate was 56%. The questionnaire produced baseline data for programme planning and measuring the success of on-going interventions. Smoking, overweight, and unhealthy food habits were the most prevalent CVD risk factors. A CVD risk score was calculated from the data on smoking, food habits, exercise, stress, overweight, self-reported presence of hypertension, diabetes, and gender. A high score was commoner in men, in the least educated, in groups who judged their own risk as high, and in groups with negative health beliefs. The level of knowledge about CVD risk factors was high in general. Low knowledge was commonest in the youngest age group, in the least educated, in unskilled workers, and in groups with negative health beliefs. As social position and personality factors seem to play an important role in actions people may take in prevention of CVD, they should be considered in the planning of the health promotion activities in Vejle.