Public knowledge of dietary fat and coronary heart disease

Abstract

THIS study aimed to determine the level of knowl edge in the general population concerning dietary fat and the risk of coronary heart disease. A systematic sample of 400 was selected from the electoral regis ters of Southampton. Subjects were sent a self-com pletion questionnaire. The response rate was 68% (255). Overall knowledge levels were high. There were some specific gaps in knowledge concerning the polyunsaturated fat content of fish; the fat con tent of butter, margarine and low-fat spreads; and the relationship of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat to plasma cholesterol and heart disease. The media seemed to be the most important source of this health information. Since overall knowledge levels were high we conclude that health education should concentrate on clarifying areas of misunder standing shown by this study.