TY - JOUR
T1 - Knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Sierra Leone
T2 - A qualitative study of patients' and community leaders' perceptions
AU - Ignatowicz, Agnieszka
AU - Odland, Maria Lisa
AU - Bockarie, Tahir
AU - Wurie, Haja
AU - Ansumana, Rashid
AU - Kelly, Ann H.
AU - Willott, Chris
AU - Witham, Miles
AU - Davies, Justine
PY - 2020/12/15
Y1 - 2020/12/15
N2 - Objectives Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there are no previous studies on the knowledge and the awareness of these conditions in the community. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and understanding of CVDRF, as well as the perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing care for these conditions, among patients and community leaders in Sierra Leone. Design Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Setting Urban and rural Bo District, Sierra Leone. Participants Interviews with a purposive sample of 37 patients and two focus groups with six to nine community leaders. Results While participants possessed general knowledge of their conditions, the level and complexity of this knowledge varied widely. There were clear gaps in knowledge regarding the coexistence of CVDRF and their consequences, as well as the link between behavioural factors and CVDRF. An overarching theme from the data was the need to create an understanding and awareness of CVDRF in the community in order to prevent and improve management of these conditions. Cost was also seen as a major barrier to accessing care for CVDRFs. Conclusions The knowledge gaps identified in this study highlight the need to design strategies and interventions that improve knowledge and recognition of CVDRF in the community. Interventions should specifically consider how to develop and enhance awareness about CVDRF and their consequences. They should also consider how patients seek help and where they access it.
AB - Objectives Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there are no previous studies on the knowledge and the awareness of these conditions in the community. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and understanding of CVDRF, as well as the perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing care for these conditions, among patients and community leaders in Sierra Leone. Design Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Setting Urban and rural Bo District, Sierra Leone. Participants Interviews with a purposive sample of 37 patients and two focus groups with six to nine community leaders. Results While participants possessed general knowledge of their conditions, the level and complexity of this knowledge varied widely. There were clear gaps in knowledge regarding the coexistence of CVDRF and their consequences, as well as the link between behavioural factors and CVDRF. An overarching theme from the data was the need to create an understanding and awareness of CVDRF in the community in order to prevent and improve management of these conditions. Cost was also seen as a major barrier to accessing care for CVDRFs. Conclusions The knowledge gaps identified in this study highlight the need to design strategies and interventions that improve knowledge and recognition of CVDRF in the community. Interventions should specifically consider how to develop and enhance awareness about CVDRF and their consequences. They should also consider how patients seek help and where they access it.
KW - health policy
KW - public health
KW - qualitative research
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85097864365&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038523
DO - 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038523
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85097864365
SN - 2044-6055
VL - 10
JO - BMJ Open
JF - BMJ Open
IS - 12
M1 - e038523
ER -
