Understanding of cardiovascular disease among patients with high cholesterol – a qualitative exploration

• Main Authors: Samsudin, Suhaiza, Mohd Arifin, Siti Roshaidai, Md Aris, Mohd Aznan, Abdullah, Fa’iza
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: RA Public aspects of medicine; RT Nursing
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/73923/1/APPCRC%20Penang%202019%20eBook%20Programme%20updt25062019%20%282%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/73923/4/MFP%20Journal%202019.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/73923/5/ARPEC%20POSTER%202019%20DR%20SUHAIZA.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/73923/; https://e-mfp.org

Background: The burden of cardiovascular disease is increasing rapidly in Malaysia but there are limited studies conducted on the understanding of cardiovascular diseases among patient who have been identified as at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Without such an understanding, an early detection and management of the cardiovascular disease within primary care setting would be challenging. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the understanding of cardiovascular disease among patients with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: A qualitative study design was used. Semi structured interviews were conducted at a family health clinic of International Islamic University Malaysia from May to August 2018. Purposive sampling was applied to recruit 13 patients with total cholesterol level of more than 5.2 mmol/L and low density lipoprotein of more than 4.9mmol/L. Interviews were audio –recorded, transcribed verbatim and then subjected to interpretive thematic analysis using NVIVO 12 software. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis: perceived causes of cardiovascular diseases, response and action, manifestation of heart disease and challenges in seeking medical care. In general, a lack of cardiovascular diseases understanding was found among the participants. Most participants were unaware of their risk to develop cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: Patients at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases need to be educated about the disease through health education, counselling or community program.