Sources of patients’ knowledge about cardiovascular disease prevention in Poland – a pilot study

Introduction
Education about coronary artery disease (CAD) is the basis of the prevention programs to limit the impact of CAD on patients’ health.

Aim
To identify patterns characterizing several groups of patients that might help to create targeted and more efficient education projects.

Material and methods
Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and clinical profile, sources of knowledge, and expectations about education on heart diseases. It was conducted among patients at the cardiology department and at the patients’ congress. Data were collected between July 2016 and October 2018 at the cardiology department and 5–7 December 2018 during a patients’ congress.

Results
Of 486 respondents 74% were male, and the median age was 68 years (interquartile range (IQR): 62–73). History of CAD was reported by 68% of patients. Cardiologists were reported as a source of knowledge more often by men than women. Patients with higher education were more likely to use books and internet sources, but they relied less on education provided by cardiologists.

Conclusions
Regardless of the sociodemographic or clinical factors, appointments with health care professionals were indicated as the most preferable form of education, and physicians were perceived as the most reliable and trusted source of knowledge.