Awareness levels of prevention of cardiac diseases in general population of rawalpindi and requirement of health education.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of awareness in population about cardiac diseases prevention and suggestion of recommendations.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in Rawalpindi Cantonment in Oct 2016.

METHODS: 100 respondents were selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected through questionnaire.

RESULTS: Results indicated low levels of awareness as only 30% of the population knew that cardiac diseases can be prevented to certain extent by lifestyle changes. 46% population knew about importance of physical activity and 34% knew that excess of fried and salty food can cause cardiac diseases. Only 22% population knew that red meat use in excess can cause cardiac diseases. 20% population were aware that lack of sleep can cause cardiac disease. 13% (for sodas), 15% (for sweets) 13% (for consuming egg yolk daily) and 28% (for stress) were the statistics for remaining modifiable risk factors. 80% of the population was aware of smoking hazards which shows the success of anti-smoking campaigns.

CONCLUSION: These levels of awareness indicate that there is dire need of policy making for health education to make people aware of lifestyle modifications necessary to prevent cardiac diseases.