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Knowledge, attitudes, and related practices of Filipino seafarers regarding cardiovascular diseases
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Abstract
Background: Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality. Due to the nature of their work and lifestyle on board, Filipino seafarers have a high propensity towards acquiring CVD. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CVD of Filipino seafarers.
Materials and methods: This study utilised a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 136 male seafarers who went into a private general hospital for their pre-employment medical examination.
Results: Eating fatty foods (77.0%), cigarette smoking (68.4%) and lack of exercise (65.4%) were identified by the respondents as the top three most common risk factors for CVD. Avoiding fatty or oily foods (85.3%) and exercising regularly (83.1%) were identified by the respondents as preventive measures for CVD. High blood pressure and shortness of breath were identified by more than half of the respondents as a sign and symptom of CVD, respectively. But the respondents failed to identify other equally important signs and symptoms. Majority of the respondents (> 80%) had high level of perception with respect to the six constructs of the health belief model. Some respondents had admitted engagement in risk-taking behaviours such as smoking (36.0%) and physical inactivity (27.2%). Majority were into high fat and salt diet (70.6%) and current alcohol consumption (79.4%).
Conclusions: Although the respondents had favourable attitudes towards CVD, there were knowledge gaps in risk factors, preventive measures, and recognition of signs and symptoms. Hence, some were still engaging in risk-taking behaviours such as smoking, irregular involvement in physical activity, unbalanced diet, and alcohol intake.
Abstract
Background: Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality. Due to the nature of their work and lifestyle on board, Filipino seafarers have a high propensity towards acquiring CVD. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CVD of Filipino seafarers.
Materials and methods: This study utilised a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 136 male seafarers who went into a private general hospital for their pre-employment medical examination.
Results: Eating fatty foods (77.0%), cigarette smoking (68.4%) and lack of exercise (65.4%) were identified by the respondents as the top three most common risk factors for CVD. Avoiding fatty or oily foods (85.3%) and exercising regularly (83.1%) were identified by the respondents as preventive measures for CVD. High blood pressure and shortness of breath were identified by more than half of the respondents as a sign and symptom of CVD, respectively. But the respondents failed to identify other equally important signs and symptoms. Majority of the respondents (> 80%) had high level of perception with respect to the six constructs of the health belief model. Some respondents had admitted engagement in risk-taking behaviours such as smoking (36.0%) and physical inactivity (27.2%). Majority were into high fat and salt diet (70.6%) and current alcohol consumption (79.4%).
Conclusions: Although the respondents had favourable attitudes towards CVD, there were knowledge gaps in risk factors, preventive measures, and recognition of signs and symptoms. Hence, some were still engaging in risk-taking behaviours such as smoking, irregular involvement in physical activity, unbalanced diet, and alcohol intake.
Keywords
risk factors, current smoker, physical inactivity, high fat diet, alcohol intake
About this articleTitle
Knowledge, attitudes, and related practices of Filipino seafarers regarding cardiovascular diseases
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
214-222
Published online
2016-12-23
Page views
3724
Article views/downloads
3744
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
IMH 2016;67(4):214-222.
Keywords
risk factors
current smoker
physical inactivity
high fat diet
alcohol intake
Authors
Ernesto Ramos Gregorio, Jr.
Jun Kobayashi
John Robert Carabeo Medina
Nymia Pimentel Simbulan
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