Knowledge and perceptions of modifiable ischaemic heart disease risk among Indians: Scoping review

Abstract Background Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) causes a significant number of deaths globally. India has the highest IHD burden, with cases up 138% since 1990. Individuals of Indian descent face a greater risk of early IHD and poorer long-term outcomes. Indian people typically develop IHD a decade earlier than other populations, with 52% of IHD-related deaths occurring before the age of 70, compared to 23% in Western populations. Aims This review aims to synthesise evidence on the Indian population's knowledge and perceptions of modifiable IHD risk factors and identify literature gaps. Methods Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews was followed. The Population, Concept, Context (PCC) framework (Indian people; knowledge and perceptions of modifiable IHD risks; Indian population globally) guided the search strategy. The database search was limited to papers published in English language from the year 2010 to 2024. Results Twenty-three studies were included. Most were conducted in India and reported low knowledge of IHD risk factors, while some international studies showed higher knowledge. Perceptions of the risk of developing IHD were low both domestically and internationally. A major misconception was the belief that individuals have no control over the progression and prevention of IHD. Conclusion This review highlights the limited knowledge and prevalent misconceptions of Indian people about the risk of IHD and the importance of modifiable risk factors. Additionally, it provides important information for nurses to consider when providing health education interventions for patients at risk of heart disease.