Perceptions, Insights, and Attitudes of Selected Filipino Female Physicians on Cardiovascular Risks and Diseases

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, perceptions, insights and attitudes on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, personal health-related lifestyle practices, and lifestyle counseling practices of selected female physicians who are practicing or training in the PH. METHODS: This was a descriptive ambispective cross-sectional study where the survey questionnaire was adapted and modified with the authors’ permission, conducted online, and answered by 484 consenting female physicians. RESULTS: The majority had accurate responses to the CVD prevention knowledge items; 36.98% had hypertension, 32% were obese, 28.5% had dyslipidemia, and 17.2% had diabetes mellitus; 60.33% practice sleep of 6 to 8 hours, 53.51% eat vegetables and fruits daily, 55.79% prefer fish and seafood, 89.05% do not smoke, 61.2% take coffee or black tea daily, 84.51% have no regular exercise, and 30.79% of those who do exercise for only 10 to 20 minutes; 67.98% add salt or soy or fish sauce to their meals, and 72.73% do not drink enough water daily; 44.42% do not undergo annual general check-up, and 58.06% do not have a personal physician. Limitations due to COVID-19 pandemic, lack of education, and expensive screening tests are perceived to be major barriers to CVD screening. More than 90% practice health teachings on diabetes mellitus prevention, hypertension screening, cholesterol screening and management, nutrition, and weight management. Counseling on regular exercise, smoking, and alcohol abuse is practiced by 88.02%, 85.74%, and 83.88% of our respondents, respectively. CONCLUSION: Enhancement in physicians’ knowledge and behavior toward CVD risk management and prevention is an integral part in the improvement of CVD prevention. KEYWORDS: cardiovascular risks and diseases, Filipino female physicians, prevention