Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding ischemic heart disease among HIV‐positive individuals in northern Tanzania. Issue 12 (24th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prattipati, Sainikitha; Mlangi, Jerome J.; Tarimo, Tumsifu G.; Kweka, Godfrey L.; Thielman, Nathan M.; Bettger, Janet P.; Mmbaga, Blandina T.; Sakita, Francis M.; Hertz, Julian T.
• Is Part Of: Tropical medicine & international health. Volume 26:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 1652
• Page End: 1658
• Publication Date: 2021-10-24
• Subjects: ischaemic heart disease -- PHLWHIV -- Tanzania; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 616.988
• DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13690
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2276

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding ischemic heart disease (IHD) among adults with HIV in Tanzania. Methods: Adults presenting for routine HIV care at a clinic in northern Tanzania were consecutively enrolled and were administered a standardised KAP survey. For each participant, an IHD knowledge score was calculated by tallying correct answers to the IHD knowledge questions, with maximum score 10. Individual 5‐year risk of cardiovascular event was calculated using the Harvard NHANES model. Associations between participant characteristics and IHD knowledge scores were assessed via Welch's t ‐test. Results: Among the 500 participants, the mean (SD) age was 45.3 (11.4) years and 139 (27.8%) were males. Most participants recognised high blood pressure ( n = 313, 62.6%) as a risk factor for IHD, but fewer identified diabetes as a risk factor ( n = 241, 48.2%), or knew that aspirin reduces the risk of a secondary cardiovascular event ( n = 73, 14.6%). Higher IHD knowledge score was associated with post‐primary education (mean 6.27 vs. 5.35, p = 0.001) and with >10% 5‐year risk of cardiovascular event (mean 5.97 vs. 5.41, p = 0.045). Most participants believed there were things they could do to reduce their chances of having a heart attack ( n = 361, 72.2%). While participants indicated that they adhered to their prescribed medications ( n = 488, 97.6%), only 106 (21.2%) attended regular health check‐ups. Conclusion: Efforts are needed to improve gaps in IHD knowledge, and increase uptake of cardiovascular preventative practices among Tanzanian adults with HIV.