Knowledge, attitude and practices toward health behavior and cardiovascular disease risk factors among the patients of metabolic syndrome in a teaching hospital in India

BACKGROUND: Indian subcontinent has highest rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a condition which can lead to many complications including CVDs. Most of the studies in India have been done about prevalence of MS; this study intends to study their awareness and perceptions about CVD risk factors, which can help to plan and implement the educational health programs in a better and effective manner to prevent complications in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from April 2017 to March 2018 in a teaching hospital of Udaipur, Rajasthan. It involved 402 patients of MS diagnosed using National Cholesterol Education Program – Adult Treatment Panel III criteria with an anthropometric modification of waist circumference (WC) value that is specifically applicable to South Asians. A 43-item questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude, and health-seeking behavior (KAP) toward CVD disease risk factors. KAP scores were characterized into poor, average, and good. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi square, and ANOVA. RESULTS: Majority (58%) of the MS patients were males and belonged to middle socioeconomic status (63%). The study subjects were found to have average knowledge and good attitude but poor practices. Males, patients with lower WC, and lower fasting blood sugar showed significantly better knowledge scores. Good attitude scores were associated with education and WC. Younger subjects, patients having better sugar control, and lower WC had significantly better practices. CONCLUSION: Despite having good attitude, MS patients were not following good lifestyle practices to prevent CVD. Results in this study call for intensive educational interventions required to prevent complications in these patients.