Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Of Patients Regarding Coronary Artery Disease At The Cardiac Clinics In Windhoek, Namibia

ABSTRACT

Phenomena such as urbanisation and individual traits such as health literacy, affect people’s exposure and vulnerability to coronary artery disease risk factors. Namibia, as a developing country, is no exception. Although studies have indicated significant effects of predictor variables such as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on coronary artery diseases, none has been reported in the Namibian context. The purpose of this study was to determine and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients regarding coronary artery disease at the cardiac clinics in Windhoek, Namibia. This study employed a quantitative approach to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices towards coronary artery disease. Using probability sampling, the study selected 306 respondents, who then completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data collection was done between February and August 2017. From the results, it emerged that the respondents’ mean age was 57 with a standard deviation of 12.5. The majority of the respondents were males, with most of them having completed tertiary and secondary education. Many of them also reported on comorbidities and results revealed a high prevalence of hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. Regarding knowledge, as an underlying construct and test bed, respondents were tested on the most common signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction. Results revealed that respondents had limited knowledge about coronary artery disease (CAD), but were able to recognise the related symptoms.