Abstract

Knowledge and practice regarding prevention of myocardial infarction among visitors of Sahid Gangalal national heart center, Kathmandu, Nepal

Author(s): Punam Dahal* & Rekha Karki

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the national burden as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nepal. About 38% were attributed to CVDs among all other NCDs. According to American Heart Association Coronary artery disease mortality rates will double from 1990 to 2020, with approximately 82% of the increase attributable to the developing world. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify Knowledge and Practice regarding Prevention of Myocardial Infarction among visitors. Material and Methods: A simple descriptive cross sectional study design was used for the studies which was conducted in the Sahid Gangalal National Heart Centre with a sample of 101 and were selected by Non-probability purposive sampling technique. The participants were asked semi structured questionnaire for socio demographic information, knowledge and practice. Data was checked for completeness and accuracy and collected data was entered in SPSS Software version 20. Descriptive statistics such as number and percentage were used to describe demographic data and for analysis of the level of knowledge and Practice. To determine association of knowledge with socio-demographic factors chi-square test was used. Besides these, Pearson's correlation coefficient was computed to describe the relationship between knowledge and practice. Results: The study found out that majority (53.4%) were age more than 30 years, majority (52.5%) were male. Chhetries were in majorities (29.7%) and highest number (79.2%) of Hindus were found. Majority were literate (93.1%); out of them, highest number(78.2%) had above secondary level education. Majority (42.6%) were non-service holders and most (79.2%) were from urban setting. Level of Knowledge was moderate among 62.4% but all of participants had inadequate practice. There was significant association found among education and occupation with knowledge (chi-square 'p' value 0.02). Knowledge and Practice showed significant relationship between them, which indicates that when knowledge increases practice also increases by 36.9%. Conclusion: Level of Knowledge was moderate among majorities but all of participants had inadequate practice despite highest literacy level and majority from urban setting. Although Cardiovascular Diseases as non-communicable is included in the strategic plan of Government of Nepal. Various awareness programs, campaigns are carried out each year, There still need to aware and make Nepalese to practice to prevent such life threatening diseases.