Perspectives on Knowledge, Precautionary Behaviors, and Psychological Status of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon: A Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the most common comorbidities in COVID-19 patients. This multicenter cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, risk perception, precautionary measures, and psychological burden related to COVID-19 among Lebanese individuals with and without CVD during the pandemic’s first wave. A total of 485 CVD patients and 1033 control group (CG) participants completed standardized questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Compared to CG, CVD patients demonstrated significantly lower COVID-19-related knowledge (86.4% vs. 90.0%, p < 0.001) and adherence to preventive measures (81.5% vs. 85.7%, p < 0.001). After stratification, limited knowledge was more common among CVD patients (45.7% vs. 31.8%), as was limited precautionary behavior (70.3% vs. 54.2%). Risk perception was suboptimal in both groups, with no significant difference (41.3% vs. 38.6%, p = 0.072). Anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10) and depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) were more prevalent among CVD patients (13.4% and 11.3%) than CG participants (9.5% and 16.5%). Survey outcomes were influenced by educational, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors. These findings highlight the need to target CVD patients in public health campaigns to enhance preparedness and mental health support during pandemics.