[Secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: knowledge and practices of patients]

The aim of our study is to assess the degree of awareness and practices of patients with cardiovascular disease.

During October 2002-February 2003, we conducted a CAP study (Knowledge, attitudes, behaviors) at some outpatient clinic visit of Tunis District. Using a standardized questionnaire, investigators have collected demographic and personal data, informations about risk factor levels, knowledge and attitudinal characteristics related to risk factors for patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. 443 patients have been interviewed (68.4% are men); 40% have more than 65 years old. Half of patients have never been schooled. Most of them have low socioeconomic level (38.8%) or middle one (56.0%).

66.9% of men have quit tobacco smoking and 19.5% still smoking 41.3% of patients have some difficulties to change their lifestyle. The difference is statically significant by educational and occupational levels. Almost 60% of them used to practice daily moderate physical activity, which was more frequent among men then women (p<0.01). During the last year, majority of patients has had checked their blood pressure (98%), glycaemia (94%) and cholesterolemia (94%). However, about 57% to 67% of patients knew if they have hypertension, diabetes or hypercholesterolemia. Most of patients are aware that healthy lifestyle can be important in preventing heart attacks and stroke and that control of blood pressure, cholesterolemia and glycaemia reduce recurrence of these attacks once they happened.

CVDs prevention and control is facing the crucial question on lifestyle change and enhancing patients responsibility in their own health promotion.