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Abstract
Background: Diabetes
patients are significantly
more likely to develop cardiovascular
diseases (CVDs). Lack of understanding
about the disease’s risk
for CVDs would increase morbidity
and mortality.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study
was to ascertain the level
of awareness among persons
with type 2 diabetes in Taif,
Saudi Arabia, regarding their
risk of CVDs. Methods: A cross-sectional
study was carried out on 300
type 2 diabetic patients through
an online survey.
Results:
The mean knowledge of
risk of cardiovascular disease
among adults in Taif was 15.4
± 5.4. 26% of the participants
had an age range from 50-59
years and 57.1% were females.
Most of the participants had
an age at diabetes diagnosis
more than 30 years and 41.7%
had a duration of disease
less than 5 years. Regarding
knowledge of participants
it was reported that, a family
history of heart disease 55.8%,
old age 66%, smoking 79.5%,
high blood pressure 76.9%
and bad cholesterol (LDL)
74.4% at higher risk for developing
heart disease. 64.4% knew\
they should keep their blood
pressure under control and
80.1% knew regular exercise
can reduce their risk of developing
heart disease. There was a
positive relationship between
participants education level
and knowledge.
Conclusion:
This study found that adults
with type 2 diabetes in Taif
have a high level of knowledge
about the risk of cardiovascular
disease. Education and preventive
measures for patients about
CVD risk factors and diabetes
management can improve health
and reduce the risk of CVD.
Keywords:
knowledge, risk, CVD, DM,
adults, Taif
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