Association of health knowledge with adoption of heart healthy behaviours: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the PURE study - Report - MDSpire
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Association of health knowledge with adoption of heart healthy behaviours: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the PURE study
Health Knowledge and Cardiovascular Wellness Practices: Insights from PURE Study
Overview
This cross-sectional study of 12,962 adults from 21 countries found that awareness of the health effects of tobacco smoking and knowledge of preventive actions for heart disease and stroke are significantly associated with adoption of heart-healthy behaviors. Specifically, knowledge about smoking risks was linked to smoking cessation, while awareness of dietary and exercise measures correlated with antihypertensive medication use.
Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Health knowledge, including disease-specific awareness and health literacy, influences individuals' ability to make informed health decisions and adopt preventive behaviors. Prior research has shown inconsistent associations between health literacy and cardiovascular outcomes, with limited data from diverse socioeconomic settings. This study leverages data from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study to explore how health knowledge relates to smoking cessation and antihypertensive treatment uptake across varied populations.
Data Highlights
Characteristic
Value
Sample size
12,962 adults aged 35–70 years
Female participants
50.0%
No or primary education
42.9%
Residing in low/lower middle-income countries
53.3%
Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for smoking cessation with knowledge of smoking effects on heart disease
1.70 (95% CI: 1.19–2.43)
aOR for smoking cessation with knowledge of smoking effects on stroke
1.41 (95% CI: 1.08–1.86)
aOR for antihypertensive medication use with knowledge of reducing dietary salt
1.62 (95% CI: 1.23–2.13)
aOR for antihypertensive medication use with knowledge of reducing dietary fat
1.56 (95% CI: 1.17–2.08)
aOR for antihypertensive medication use with knowledge of exercising more
1.48 (95% CI: 1.22–1.80)
Key Findings
Knowledge of the health effects of tobacco smoking on heart disease and stroke is significantly associated with higher likelihood of smoking cessation among current and former smokers.
Awareness of the impact of second-hand smoke on heart disease also correlates positively with smoking cessation.
Understanding the importance of reducing dietary salt, dietary fat, and increasing exercise is linked to greater use of antihypertensive medication among hypertensive individuals.
These associations remain significant after adjusting for education level and socioeconomic status, indicating health knowledge independently influences heart-healthy behaviors.
Health knowledge varies across socio-economic backgrounds but is a key determinant of cardiovascular preventive practices globally.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should prioritize patient education on the cardiovascular risks of tobacco use and the benefits of lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and exercise. Enhancing disease-specific knowledge may improve adherence to antihypertensive treatment and promote smoking cessation, especially in low- and middle-income settings. Tailored health literacy interventions could bridge gaps in cardiovascular prevention across diverse populations.
Conclusion
This study underscores the critical role of health knowledge in facilitating adoption of heart-healthy behaviors worldwide. Targeted efforts to improve awareness of smoking risks and preventive strategies can enhance cardiovascular outcomes irrespective of socioeconomic status.
References
PURE Study Group 2024 -- Link Between Health Knowledge and Cardiovascular Wellness Practices
by Shiva Raj Mishra, Richard I Lindley, Angela C Webster, Patricio Lopez-Jaramillo, Rosnah Ismail, Jayachitra Krishnaswamy Gajendran, Indu Mohan, Rekha M Ravindran, Manmeet Kaur, Christina E Lundberg, Karen Yeates, Khalid F Alhabib, Roya Kelishadi, Katarzyna Zatonska, Homer U Co, Scott A Lear, Karen Suarez, Iolanthé M Kruger, Pamela Serón, Maria Luz Diaz, Yilin Huang, Zhiguang Liu, Yingxuan Zhu, Alvaro Avezum, Afzalhussein Yusufali, Rita Yusuf, Jephat Chifamba, Ahmet Temizhan, Romaina Iqbal, Sumathy Rangarajan, Martin McKee, Salim Yusuf, Clara K Chow
