Survey Exploring Public Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Cheshire, UK

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and annual statistical reports show that some areas in the north of England has one of the highest death rates due to CVD in the country. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Cheshire to evaluate public knowledge and determine the most popular methods to receive updated information regarding CVD risk factors. Results: 269 participants were eventually eligible for the analysis. The overall knowledge score was relatively high (median score = 12/12, IQR = 1); patients with a history of CVD or diabetes mellitus showed a lower level of knowledge compared with healthy individuals (P = 0.007). On the other hand, the internet was the most popular method to receive updated cardiovascular disease information (70% of the sample). Participants showed a tendency to visit official and governmental websites to obtain the needed information, and Google was the most selected platform in all age groups. Conclusions: There might be a need to invest more time in providing CVD patients with sufficient instructions to ensure their adherence to secondary prevention measures. Also, more time and resources should be invested in developing official and governmental public health websites.