Perception of risk of cardiovascular disease among early adulthood in Lucknow city

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess perception of risk of cardiovascular disease among early adults in Lucknow city and its association with demographic variables. Background: Assuming risk perception in a healthy manner may lead to healthy behavioural changes leading to better health outcomes. Design: A descriptive study. Methods: Using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, a convenience sample of 250 adults was used. Results: A total 62% individuals perceived themselves at a risk of heart disease, of which age, gender and employment had a strong association with risk perception. The mean and SD for total risk perception among male and female was 47.46±5.26 and 49.05±4.5 respectively, thus women assuming more risk perception than men. Age had a strong and significant association with dread risk (β=0.185, p<.01) and Risk (β=0.036, p<.01) with no significant association with Unknown risk and total risk. Meanwhile Gender had a marginal significant association with total risk ((β=0.1.235 p<.10) and significant association with unknown risk (β=0.903, p<.05). Also the perception of risk according to the type of family had no significant association. Employment had a significant association with unknown risk (β=0.2.736, p<.05) and less association with Total risk (β=0.464, p<.10). Women’s living alone and in step families, individuals in age group (30-35), and retired respondents perceived the risk most. Conclusion: Our data indicates that educational intervention is needed among adults to enhance their awareness and reduce their risk perception. The information gained from this present study will help to further implement policies to combat the health of people who are at the risk of developing CVD or are already suffering from.

Keywords

• Risk perception
• CVD
• Health behaviour
• Lifestyle
• Behavioural change