Knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients regarding coronary artery disease at the cardiac clinics in Windhoek, Namibia
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Date
2018
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Phenomena such as urbanisation and individual traits such as health literacy, affect people’s exposure and vulnerability to coronary artery disease risk factors. Namibia, as a developing country, is no exception. Although studies have indicated significant effects of predictor variables such as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on coronary artery diseases, none has been reported in the Namibian context. The purpose of this study was to determine and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients regarding coronary artery disease at the cardiac clinics in Windhoek, Namibia.
This study employed a quantitative approach to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices towards coronary artery disease. Using probability sampling, the study selected 306 respondents, who then completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data collection was done between February and August 2017. From the results, it emerged that the respondents’ mean age was 57 with a standard deviation of 12.5. The majority of the respondents were males, with most of them having completed tertiary and secondary education. Many of them also reported on co-morbidities and results revealed a high prevalence of hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. Regarding knowledge, as an underlying construct and test bed, respondents were tested on the most common signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction. Results revealed that respondents had limited knowledge about coronary artery disease (CAD), but were able to recognise the related symptoms. Practices did not always correlate with knowledge, as the majority of the respondents were aware of the adverse effects of smoking and alcohol consumption, but still indicated to have been smoking and consuming alcohol. The respondents appeared to have positive attitudes regarding self-image. This was based on their self-rating on being overweight or not and the objective Body Mass Index (BMI) obtained from each respondent. The subjective self-rating did not correlate with the objective data obtained during data assessment of BMI. Many were overweight, but regarded themselves as having normal weight. The study concluded that respondents had limited knowledge on some aspects of CAD and that their practices do not reflect their knowledge levels. Their practices also appeared to be in contradiction with their attitudes.
Recommendations were made to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, private hospitals, in-service education departments and training institutions for post-graduate students regarding health education and preventative measures.
Description
A study submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Nursing Science
Keywords
Coronary artery, Attitudes