Knowledge and Lifestyle Practices Regarding Coronary Artery Disease among Women

Abstract

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death all over the world. Good knowledge and lifestyle practices reduce the incidence of CAD. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to determine the knowledge and lifestyle practices regarding CAD among women and also to identify the association of knowledge and lifestyle practices with selected socio-personal variables. Methodology: A descriptive survey design was employed to collect self-reported data from 102 women (35–55 years) residing in two communities in Kerala, India. Results: Major part of the study participants (35.3%) was between 35 and 39 years, 63.7% educated up to 10th standard, and 55.9% were household workers. Majority of the women had good knowledge, 8.8% had excellent, 28.4% had average, and 17.6% had poor knowledge. The area-wise analysis showed comparatively poor mean percentage of knowledge about risk factors (52.8%) diagnosis and treatment (53.5%). Better mean percentage was observed for meaning of CAD (77.35%), signs and symptoms (83%), and lifestyle modifications (75.5%). The study showed 69.6% of women had good lifestyle practices, 19.6% had very good, and 10.8% had average lifestyle practices. None of them had either excellent or poor lifestyle practices. Area-wise analysis of lifestyle practices showed that a lower mean percentage was noted with dietary practices (62.9%) and physical activity (57.3%) compared to habits (86.7%) sleep, and rest and stress reduction measures (77.2%). The level of education and knowledge is associated significantly (P < 0.001).