Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of patients from the rural environment on the risk factors and prevention CVDs.
Material and methods: In the period from January to February 2006. one hundred and twenty patients [69 (57.5%) females and 51 (42.5%) males] from Primary Care Practice in Zabłudow living in rural areas in the vicinity of Białystok were interviewed using questionnaires developed by the authors of the work. It contained questions on demographic data (gender, age, education and residence), health status and level of knowledge about risk factors and prevention CVDs.
Results: The vast majority of patients had a thorough understanding of risk factors CVDs. The least known factor is diabetes--just as the second test (55.8%) believe that it contributes to the formation of CVDs. As prophylaxis 77.5% of respondents reported a diet low in salt, and 75%--regular physical activity. Advancing our knowledge about the disease as an existing preventive recognized 70.8% of respondents. Comparing knowledge of patients with the knowledge of healthy CVDs participating in the survey stated that they know more about risk factors and prevention CVDs than the differences are statistically significant (p < 0.05). Better educated person knows more about risk factors and prevention of CVDs than the less educated people. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Examined patients living in rural areas have a wide knowledge on risk factors and prevention CVDs. This applies especially to people with higher education or with known cardiovascular diseases. People with lower education require more attention and education. Emphasis should be given to promoting information on the impact of diabetes on the development of CVDs.