title: Knowledge, attitudes, and related practices of Filipino seafarers regarding cardiovascular diseases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality. Due to the nature of their work and lifestyle on board, Filipino seafarers have a high propensity towards acquiring CVD. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CVD of Filipino seafarers.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study utilised a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 136 male seafarers who went into a private general hospital for their pre-employment medical examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eating fatty foods (77.0%), cigarette smoking (68.4%) and lack of exercise (65.4%) were identified by the respondents as the top three most common risk factors for CVD. Avoiding fatty or oily foods (85.3%) and exercising regularly (83.1%) were identified by the respondents as preventive measures for CVD. High blood pressure and shortness of breath were identified by more than half of the respondents as a sign and symptom of CVD, respectively. But the respondents failed to identify other equally important signs and symptoms. Majority of the respondents (> 80%) had high level of perception with respect to the six constructs of the health belief model. Some respondents had admitted engagement in risk-taking behaviours such as smoking (36.0%) and physical inactivity (27.2%). Majority were into high fat and salt diet (70.6%) and current alcohol consumption (79.4%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the respondents had favourable attitudes towards CVD, there were knowledge gaps in risk factors, preventive measures, and recognition of signs and symptoms. Hence, some were still engaging in risk-taking behaviours such as smoking, irregular involvement in physical activity, unbalanced diet, and alcohol intake.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines. ergregorio@up.edu.ph.
authors.forename: Ernesto Ramos
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Gregorio
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: John Robert Carabeo
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Medina
authors.forename: Nymia Pimentel
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Simbulan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009326:Naval Medicine; D010679:Philippines; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: alcohol intake; current smoker; high fat diet; physical inactivity; risk factors