Abstract

Aim of Study: To assess teachers’ knowledge and attitude toward dyslipidemia, its prevention, management and complications.

Subjects and Methods: Male teachers in Ahad Rufaidah schools constituted the study population. A total of 275 teachers were included in this study. The researcher constructed a data-collection questionnaire, which included five parts: Personal characteristics; Knowledge about dyslipidemia; Attitude toward dyslipidemia and its preventive measures; and Teachers’ practices to control dyslipidemia.

Results: Most teachers (81%) claimed that they do not know about dyslipidemia. The main source for knowledge about dyslipidemia was the internet (10.9%). Physicians and nurses were the sources of knowledge for 2.9% of participants. More than two thirds of participant teachers (69%) had poor knowledge about dyslipidemia, while 30% had fair knowledge and 1% had good Knowledge; 71% of participant teachers had a positive attitude toward prevention of dyslipidemia and 29% had a negative attitude. Less than half of the teachers (44.4%) measured their body weight within the last month, while 49.5% had never assessed their lipid profile. Teachers’ knowledge grades differed significantly according to their age groups and school levels (p<0.001 for both). Teachers’ attitude toward prevention of dyslipidemia differed significantly according to their age group (p=0.006). Teachers’ assessment of their serum lipid profilediffered significantly according to their age (p=0.006).

Conclusions: Teachers have insufficient knowledge about dyslipidemia. The internet is their main source for knowledge about dyslipidemia, while physicians and nurses are the least source. Teachers’ attitude toward prevention and management of dyslipidemia is mostly positive. However, regular body weight monitoring and assessment of lipid profile are rarely practiced. Older teachers have less knowledge, yet a more positive attitude and more frequent lipid profile assessment.

Recommendations: Awareness programs should be conducted to promote teachers’ knowledge about dyslipidemia. They should be advised to regularly monitor their body weight and check their lipid profile.

Key Words: Dyslipidemia, School teachers, knowledge, Attitude, Saudi Arabia