Evaluation of Public Awareness regarding Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Heart Attack and Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study in DHQ Hospital, Kohat

Abstract

Background: Globally cardiovascular diseases such as Heart attack and stroke are the leading causes of sickness and death. For timely recognition, early intervention and better outcome people knowledge about their risk factor and warning signs is crucial. However, data from Pakistan specially from district level is quite limited. Objective: To assess public awareness regarding risk factor, warning sign and preventive responses related to heart attack and stroke among adult population in Kohat. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 adults aged ≥20 years using a structured questionnaire. Non probability consecutive sampling technique was used to select participants. Awareness regarding cardiovascular risk factors, warning signs and responses and preventive behavior was assessed. For data analysis SPSS version 27.0 was used. Descriptive statistics were shown in frequencies and percentages. To find out associations Kruskal–Wallis H test and Pearson’s chi-square test were applied. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Awareness regarding common cardiovascular risk factors such as stress (91.1%), obesity (85.8%), hypertension and hyperlipidemia (83.3%), and physical inactivity (78.3%) were reported by the people. Identification of major warning signs of heart attack and stroke was high. (95%) responded that they would call an ambulance if they thought someone needed help. Awareness of cardiovascular risk factors showed association with age (p=0.002), gender (p=0.016)   and education level (p=0.043).  Conclusion: People generally know about common heart risks and warning signs, but there are still important gaps in knowledge, especially about less well-known risks and specific signs of a stroke. These findings show that we need health education programs in the community to increase awareness about heart health and encourage people to seek medical help when needed.