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Knowledge of Heart Disease, Preventive Behavior and Source of Information in a Multi-ethnic Asian Population: A Population-Based Survey

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Abstract

Several population-based studies have been conducted to better understand the public knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and behavior. However, most studies have predominantly focused on Western populations. This study aimed to investigate heart disease knowledge, preventive behavior and source of information on heart disease in a multi-ethnic Asian population. We conducted a nation-wide population-based survey of 1000 participants of three ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, Indian) in Singapore. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographics, knowledge on CVD risk factors, symptoms, emergency action, preventive health behaviors and sources of information on heart disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the CVD knowledge and behavior. Knowledge on CVD risk factors was generally high. Knowledge on emergency actions was low particularly in younger people. More than 60% did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, and this was more evident for individuals of overweight/obese status, lower education and workforce. Chinese were less likely to be obese/overweight compared to the Malays and Indians. Malays were less likely to seek information from internet and social media compared to their ethnic counterparts. This study highlighted heterogeneity in the levels of knowledge and health behavior across population segments, suggesting the need for a tailored approach to heart health interventions and optimal channels for information dissemination. Our findings will form the basis for contextually and culturally appropriate interventions to combat the growing CVD burden and prevent its toll on a rapidly ageing population.

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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the administrative support from Vernon Kang and Linda Wee of the Singapore Heart Foundation.

Funding

This work was supported by funding from Singapore Heart Foundation. The sponsor played no role in the design, execution, analysis and interpretation of data, or writing of the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

    Zijuan Huang, Jien Sze Ho, Swee Yaw Tan & Terrance Chua

  2. Department of Biostatistics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore

    Qai Ven Yap & Yiong Huak Chan

  3. Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore

    Woon Puay Koh & Sungwon Yoon

  4. Saw See Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

    Woon Puay Koh

  5. Regional Health System, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, Singapore

    Sungwon Yoon

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  1. Zijuan Huang
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Correspondence to Sungwon Yoon.

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This study was approved by National University of Singapore’ Institutional Review Board (S-17-256E).

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Huang, Z., Yap, Q.V., Chan, Y.H. et al. Knowledge of Heart Disease, Preventive Behavior and Source of Information in a Multi-ethnic Asian Population: A Population-Based Survey. J Community Health 46, 31–40 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00838-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00838-4

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