Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Awareness Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes at Qassim University...

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), marked by high blood sugar levels, significantly impacts bodily systems and can result in various health complications. In Saudi Arabia, it poses a widespread health concern, particularly in urban areas. The condition is linked to both small and large blood vessel complications, including issues such as eye disease, kidney damage, and heart-related problems. Factors like gender, location, and associated small blood vessel conditions can affect the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Strengthening collaboration with healthcare professionals is crucial to reducing heart disease cases and improving comprehension of diabetes-related consequences.

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among patients with T2D at the outpatient clinics of Qassim University Medical City in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized a self-administered questionnaire which was sent to patients attending outpatient clinics through a structured paper-based survey. The questionnaire has a socio-demographic section and a 25-item assessment to evaluate the knowledge of diabetic patients concerning cardiovascular disease risk.

Of the 153 diabetic patients, 85 (55.6%) were males, and 39 (25.5%) were between 40 and 49 years old. A family history of diabetes has been reported by 116 (75.8%) of the patients. The overall mean knowledge score was 14.8 out of 25 points. 48 (31.4%) were considered to have good knowledge; however, more than one-third of the diabetes mellitus (DM) patients (N=52; 34%) had poor knowledge of CVD risk. Increased knowledge was seen more frequently in the older age group, the male gender, and those with longer DM durations.

The patients with T2D had an inadequate understanding of cardiovascular disease risk. Nevertheless, older male patients with an extended period of diabetes mellitus exhibited a superior understanding of CVD risk. Additional longitudinal studies are necessary to determine the variables and the extent of information regarding CVD risk among diabetic individuals in our region.