Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes & Awareness of Ischemic Heart Disease and Medication Adherence: A Descriptive Cross-sectional, Single-unit Study

Introduction: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, there is limited evidence-based data regarding medication adherence of IHD patients in Sri Lanka. This study aims to detect knowledge, attitudes & awareness of IHD and adherence to medication among IHD patients attending medical clinics at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, Sri Lanka.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited consecutively selected participants for six months. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was applied to detect medication adherence and the reasons for non-adherence. The IHD Fact Questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients’ awareness, attitudes, and knowledge regarding IHD.
Results: Among 402 participants, the majority were Sinhala (91.3%, n=366) and male (62.1%, n=249), and had good knowledge (80%, n=330). Most the patients were aware of the modifiable (n=402,100%) and non-modifiable (n=401, 99.8%) risk factors of IHD. Knowledge and awareness regarding the role of physical activity and healthy dietary practices were satisfactory (n=364, 90.5%). Adherence to medication was approximately 100% during the past month, week as well as the day before. Knowledge showed significant positive associations with, Education level (P<0.0001) and BMI (P=0.002), while cholesterol levels (P=0.002) and diabetes (P=0.016) were the most significant negative variables for knowledge.
Conclusion: The participants’ overall knowledge and awareness about the disease condition was satisfactory. However, gaps in knowledge and awareness were detected regarding epidemiological factors and dietary practices.