Knowledge and attitude of Isfahan people about prevention of cardiovascular disease

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of Isfahan people about prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death and disability in all societies. Lack of knowledge about risk factors of heart disease is associated with unhealthy lifestyle and increasing progression of cardiovascular disease.
This descriptive analytical study was conducted in 2016 on 384 people of Isfahan, located in the centre of Iran. Data was collected by a researcher-made questionnaire with three parts of personal information, awareness and attitude questions about prevention of cardiovascular disease. The data were analyzed in SPSS 16 using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings: Participants had good knowledge of the prevention of cardiovascular disease (with the knowledge mean score of 13.11±1.94 of the maximum score 14). Also, people's attitudes towards cardiovascular disease prevention were positive (with the mean score of 30.6±4.05 of maximum score of 40). There was not a statistically significant difference between the score of knowledge in terms of age, sex, marital status and family history of heart disease, but knowledge about prevention of heart disease was associated with the previously received training and educational level. There was not a statistically significant difference between the score of attitude in terms of demographic characteristics.
The knowledge and attitude about prevention of heart disease among Isfahan people was good and associated with the previously received training. So, providing educational programs about risk factors of cardiovascular disease may improve knowledge of and attitude towards heart disease and play an important role in improving lifestyle and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.