Prevention and Control Program for Cardiovascular Diseases in Turkish Population: PRE-CONTROL Study Group

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Health Education

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality.
• Preventive measures can mitigate CVD progression and reduce its impact.
• Limited awareness of CVD risk factors presents a significant barrier to prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess total cardiovascular risk in an urban Turkish population.
• To determine knowledge and awareness levels regarding CVD.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention program.

Main Methods:

• A 24-item questionnaire identified cardiovascular risk factors and CVD awareness.
• Educational program feedback was gathered via questionnaires and interviews.
• Statistical analysis, including sample t tests, compared CVD risk across demographics (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

• High prevalence of hyperlipidemia (41.3%), smoking (25-33%), hypertension (18.6-21.5%), and diabetes (10%).
• Increased cardiovascular risk was noted in men and individuals with lower socioeconomic status (p < 0.01).
• Educational programs significantly enhanced awareness of high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in lower socioeconomic groups.
• Pre-intervention knowledge of CVD risk factors was notably low.
• Educational initiatives demonstrably improved awareness of CVD and its associated risk factors.