LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: A STATISTICAL APPROACH TARGETING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death in the world and can be significantly controlled through lifestyle modifications. This study has been conducted to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in a populated metropolitan to develop targeted interventions for preventing the cardiovascular diseases. The study was conducted through a pretested questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of the general population. The dependent variables include Knowledge score, Attitude score, Practice score and Total score, while the independent variables were; Age groups, Gender, Education background and Education level. The data was statistically analyzed by SmartPLS 4.0.8.7 for partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Our data shows that higher level of awareness of CVD’s improves attitude and practice of lifestyle changes in CVDs. Overall, the path coefficients and their significance suggest that age, gender, education background and level are significant predictors of the outcome variables in the model. The study discusses various factors such as socialization, education, and access to information which need to be addressed for improving prevention outcomes in CVDs. It is highly imperative that improving knowledge, attitude and practices of a population to prevent the cardiovascular diseases requires a comprehensive approach that involves education, outreach, engagement, and evaluation, encompassing all age groups, genders and education levels.