Adult males' knowledge and awareness of risk factors leading to coronary heart disease

Abstract

While the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) has decreased over the past five years, it is still the leading cause of death in Malta. In 2008 40% (n=1273) of the deaths in Malta were due to circulatory diseases (Department of Health Information and Research, 2008). This is a clear indication that more work has to be directed at what people can do to prevent the disease so as to help to reverse this trend. It was decided that males should be the main focus of the study as CHD was always more prevalent in men. In fact in 2008, there were 366 male and 312 female deaths due to CHD. The level of knowledge and awareness of adult males regarding the risk factors leading to CHD was reported to be low (Sanderson, Waller, Jarvis, Humphries & Wardle, 2009). The aim of this small scale, descriptive study was to assess men's need for knowledge/information regarding risk factors associated with CHD and their preferred sources of information. Data were collected via a structured interview which was designed to assess adult males' knowledge and awareness of the risk factors leading to CHD. A convenience sample of 37 adult males was recruited from a busy street in Valletta. The results revealed that adult males were generally knowledgeable and aware about most of the risk factors leading to CHD. Some gaps in knowledge were identified in relation to diet particularly related to the consumption of legumes and muesli and which of the fats increase the risk of developing CHD. The participants' preferred sources for health information were the internet, television and the physician. The fact that good knowledge was identified in most areas shows that health promotion activities appear to be achieving their goal. It is recommended that further research should focus on adult males' behaviour in relation to prevent CHD as knowledge does not necessarily translate into a healthy lifestyle.