Public Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome and Its Related Risk Factors in Western
Safa H Alkalash1,2, Ali H Alfaqih3, Ebrahem R Alsohabi3
1Community Medicine and Health Care, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Qunfudah, SAU.
Insights
Public awareness of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) symptoms like chest pain is moderate in Saudi Arabia. However, knowledge gaps exist, with women and educated individuals showing higher awareness of ACS risk factors and symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major global cause of death and illness.
- Timely recognition of ACS symptoms is crucial for effective reperfusion therapy.
- Managing ACS risk factors is key to preventing long-term health complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public knowledge and perceptions of ACS symptoms and risk factors.
- Focus on the Saudi-Western region's general population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 733 participants in Saudi Arabia's western region.
- Utilized the Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Index and additional questionnaires.
- Data collected via self-administered, anonymous questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Awareness of chest pain (49.2%) and shortness of breath (44.8%) as ACS symptoms was noted.
- High awareness of smoking (74.2%) and obesity (64.6%) as risk factors.
- Significant knowledge gaps identified regarding diabetes mellitus and ACS (31.6%).
- Many participants (45.2%) were unsure about identifying ACS in themselves or others.
- Female participants showed significantly higher knowledge (OR = 2.40, p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Valuable insights into ACS awareness in Saudi Arabia's western region were gained.
- Older individuals, females, and those with postgraduate education demonstrated greater ACS knowledge.
- Highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve public health outcomes regarding ACS.
Background:
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recognition of its symptoms affects the time-sensitive benefits of reperfusion therapy. Furthermore, lowering the risk factors can prevent long-term complications.
Objectives:
To evaluate the public knowledge and perception of the symptoms and risk factors of ACS in the Saudi-Western region.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 733 among the general population in the western region of Saudi Arabia by using the Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Index, with additional questions about risk factors for heart attack and physical activities. The research information was acquired through a self-administered questionnaire without any identifying personal information.
Result:
Participants demonstrated awareness of certain ACS symptoms and risk factors. Chest pain was widely recognized (49.2%, n = 361), followed by shortness of breath (44.8%, n = 329), arm pain or shoulder pain (38.6%, n = 283), palpitation (37.3%, n = 274), and fatigue (22.2%, n = 163). A total of 544 (74.2%) and 474 (64.6%) respondents were aware that smoking and obesity are the most common risk factors for ACS, respectively. However, gaps persisted, particularly regarding the association between diabetes mellitus and ACS, with 31.6% (n = 232) reporting diabetes mellitus. A total of 331 (45.2%) and 322 (43.9%) study sample were unsure whether they could identify ACS in themselves or other people. However, 391 (53.3%) decided that they should go to the hospital as soon as possible when they have chest pain that does not stop after 15 minutes. Notably, female participants demonstrated substantially higher knowledge (OR = 2.40, p = 0.001). The study highlights the influence of gender, age, and education on ACS-related awareness.
Conclusion:
This study provides valuable insights into ACS awareness in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Relatively older respondents, female participants, and those with postgraduate education were more knowledgeable about ACS than the others. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions for specific demographic groups in enhancing public health outcomes.
More Related Videos
05:41Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Ligation for Ischemia-Reperfusion Research: Model Improvement via Technical Modifications and Quality Control
Published on: December 16, 2022
06:16Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease
Published on: August 9, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:17Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and...
01:17Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:29Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck