Heart disease risk factors: prevalence and knowledge in a primary care setting, Audi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The prevalence and knowledge of coronary heart disease risk factors among persons attending South-west Thogbah primary health care centre were assessed. A random sample of 227 male and female Saudi attendees aged > / = 18 years was assessed. The prevalent risk factors were diabetes mellitus [28.2%], obesity [37.9%] and lack of physical exercise [68.3%]. Diabetes mellitus was the most prevalent risk factor among males [55.6%], while obesity was the main one among females [42.3%]. Less than half of the sample knew about the risk factors and preventive measures. Knowledge of risk factors and prevention was significantly associated with educational level [P < 0.001]