Evaluation and Assessment of Community Awareness About Coronary Artery Disease in the Aseer Region

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD), a severe cardiovascular disorder, still remains the major reason for death among adults. In Saudi Arabia, the most common risk factors noticed were hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia. To date, various therapies have been used for managing CAD, but primary prevention remains the cornerstone to reducing the incidence of CAD-linked mortality and morbidity. The present research aimed to evaluate public awareness levels about CAD in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A structured questionnaire was used to assess the demographic variables, information regarding risk factors, and knowledge and awareness about CAD. To analyze the knowledge and awareness of the general population regarding CAD, 26 well-constructed questions were framed and asked. General characteristics like knowledge, awareness, risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, effects, treatment, and prevention of CAD were recorded by asking questions with different options. The data obtained were then subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Out of 651 participants, 66.51% were males and 33.48% were females, and 36.40% were aged between 26 and 35 years. Of the participants, 14.13% had a positive family history of CAD, 66.05% had inactive lifestyle habits, and 59.60% did not report any stress. A total of 61.29% were unaware of CAD, but many of them were aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and complications of the disease. A total of 5.529% were suffering from CAD, with a time period of less than one year. Only 1.84% of participants were taking medicines for CAD. Conclusion Our study suggested that the community of the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia has meager knowledge and awareness about CAD. Westernized lifestyles and urbanization have caused poor physical well-being in people, leading to increased risk factors for CAD. Thus, we suggest that different educational public health awareness programs should be implemented by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia to decrease the prevalence of these life-threatening diseases.