Knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors among diabetic patients attending the non-communicable disease clinic at Tororo General Hospital

Abstract

Background: Diabetic patients have a threefold risk of developing cardiovascular disease complications compared to the general population. According to world health organization diabetes mellitus accounts for over 20% of cardiovascular disease related deaths. Knowledge about the risk factors of cardiovascular disease is the first step in its prevention yet there is limited data on its prevalence particularly in primary care settings. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge on cardiovascular disease risk factors and the factors associated with low knowledge among diabetic patients attending the non-communicable disease clinic of Tororo general hospital. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 378 adult diabetic persons attending the non-communicable disease clinic at Tororo General Hospital. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires coupled with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire were used to collect data which was analyzed and presented as descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study revealed a suboptimal level of knowledge (76.1%) about cardiovascular disease risk factors. Being female (p = 0.002), less educated (p < 0.0001), newly diagnosed with diabetes (p = 0.002) and staying more than 5 km from the hospital (p = 0.009) were associated with low knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: This study indicated suboptimal knowledge regarding cardiovascular disease risk factors attributable to social, patient and health-facility based determinants. Recommendation: Improving the health care providers capacity to offer patient centered education to enhance cardiovascular disease literacy among vulnerable diabetic subgroups.