Key result
Community adults show no concordance between actual and perceived CVD risks, indicating optimistic risk perception.
Why the study?
Does perceived cardiovascular disease risk, BMI, and physical activity level match actual measurements in community-dwelling adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=522)
Yes
Does perceived cardiovascular disease risk, BMI, and physical activity level match actual measurements in community-dwelling adults?
Community-dwelling adults have an optimistic and distorted perception of their actual CVD risk, BMI, and physical activity levels, highlighting the need for periodic actual risk assessments to guide lifestyle interventions.
Optimistic CVD risk perception in adults supports bias hypothesis; leaves open whether correction improves preventive behaviors.
CONTEXT: The difference between actual and perceived risk levels shows distorted risk perception. Unrealistic perceptions of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and insufficient knowledge about CVD risk factors can not only hinder the adoption of a positive lifestyle change but also obstruct preventive efforts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance between perceived and actual risks, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity levels. DESIGN: This descriptive study included 522 community-dwelling adults in 2 different regions of Antalya/Turkey. The actual CVD risk level of the participants was determined using the "HeartScore program," actual body weight was determined according to BMI, and actual activity levels were found using the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF)." The perceived risks were measured with the CVD Risk and Risk Factors Perception Determination Questionnaire. CVD Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) Scale was used to calculate the participants' level of knowledge about the risk factors. RESULTS: There was no concordance between the participants' actual and perceived CVD risks. A below-average agreement was found between the participants' actual and perceived BMI levels. In terms of actual measurements, it was seen that slightly obese individuals have a realistic perception. There was a weak agreement between the actual and perceived physical activity levels of the adults. Knowledge about the CVD risk factors of adults does not affect the perception of CVD risk and BMI and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Adults have an optimistic risk perception regarding CVD risk, BMI, and physical activity levels. It may be beneficial to periodically assess actual risks to change skewed perceptions of CVD and risk factors. These findings will inform the development of tailored intervention strategies and policies for these adults.
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Gözüm et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular disease risk (n=522). Community-dwelling adults showed no concordance between actual and perceived CVD risks, and weak agreement for BMI and physical activity levels, indicating an optimistic risk perception.
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