Knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among caretakers of outpatients attending a tertiary cardiovascular center in Tanzania: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Health literacy on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) plays an effective role in preventing or delaying the disease onset as well as in impacting the efficacy of their management. In view of the projected low health literacy in Tanzania, we conducted this cross-sectional survey to assess for CVD risk knowledge and its associated factors among patient escorts. METHODS: A total of 1063 caretakers were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. An adopted questionnaire consisting of 22 statements assessing various CVD risk behaviors was utilized for assessment of knowledge. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess for factors associated with poor knowledge of CVD risks. RESULTS: The mean age was 40.5 years and women predominated (55.7%). Over two-thirds had a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2), 18.5% were alcohol drinkers, 3.2% were current smokers, and 47% were physically inactive. The mean score was 78.2 and 80.0% had good knowledge of CVD risks. About 16.3% believed CVDs are diseases of affluence, 17.4% thought CVDs are not preventable, and 56.7% had a perception that CVDs are curable. Low education (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.9–3.7, p < 0.001), lack of health insurance (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1–2.3, p = 0.03), and negative family history of CVD death (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.4–3.5, p < 0.001), were independently associated with poor CVD knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, despite of a good level of CVD knowledge established in this study, a disparity between individual’s knowledge and self-care practices is apparent.