Knowledge about heart attack and hypertension among individuals attending a cardiac camp in Pokhara city.
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies in other countries had shown lacunae in patients' and general publics' understanding of cardiovascular diseases. Such studies are lacking in Nepal. Hence the present study was carried out to: a) note the respondent's knowledge regarding myocardial infarction and hypertension and b) note the association, if any, of the knowledge with demographic and personal characteristics.


METHODS
Respondents attending a cardiac camp organized in the Manipal Teaching hospital during September 2002 were interviewed by previously briefed seventh semester students using a structured questionnaire. Basic demographic information and knowledge about myocardial infarction and hypertension was collected. The median score was calculated. Differences in scores among different subgroups of respondents were noted using appropriate statistical tests (p<0.05).


RESULTS
Sixty-six respondents were interviewed; 44 were male. The knowledge scores for heart attack and hypertension were 6 (maximum score 8) and 11 (maximum score 14) respectively. The scores were significantly lower among respondents with a monthly family income below 2000 rupees and was higher among respondents/family members suffering from cardiovascular disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The respondents were aware of the basic facts regarding myocardial infarction and hypertension. However, lacunae in knowledge were noted. Further studies are required.
Shankar
P R
PR
Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. pathiyilravi@gmail.com
Partha
P
P
Shenoy
N
N
Chandrasekhar
T S
TS
Dubey
A K
AK
D032882:Comprehension; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction; D009390:Nepal; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires