Determination of risk and knowledge levels of individuals with diabetes in terms of health beliefs and cardiovascular diseases

Purpose: Purpose of this study has determine the awareness, predisposition, and health belief level of individuals with diabetes towards CVD. Method: Design of the study was a cross‐sectional descriptive. This study adhered to the STROBE guideline for cross‐sectional studies.160 diabetic individuals who were diagnosed with diabetes who were treated in the Endocrinology Service between March and July 2019. Data were collected by Demographic and Medical Information, Health Belief Model Score (HBM), The Framingham risk score (FRS) and Cardiovascular Disease Risk factors information level scale (CARRIE-IL). Result: The HBS total score average (3.55 ± 0.28) of the individuals involved in the study was found to be negative. The lowest score was determined as perceived obstacles, perceived seriousness, perceived sensitivity, perceived benefits, and health-related activities. The participants' knowledge level of cardiovascular disease risk factors was above average (16.13 ± 2.88) and their risk of having a cardiovascular disease within ten years was 18.13 ± 8.96 (intermediate level). In the study, men with diabetes aged 65 and over, single, elementary school, first-degree obese, less than two per week, physical activity level, and health beliefs of individuals with diabetes for more than 6 years low level of knowledge of CVD and CVD within ten years were determined to be likely to be able to spend any. Conclusion: Diabetes is a chronic disease, but if it is not well managed, it prepares the ground for the development of cardiovascular diseases. It can prevent cardiovascular complications when nurses identify individuals who need support in the management of diabetes and make plans to improve their specific health protection.