Psychologically healthy, asymptomatic adults typically reported low perceived risk of cardiovascular disease, demonstrated fragmented knowledge, and were primarily motivated by social or aesthetic concerns rather than health literacy.
Healthy, asymptomatic individuals have low perceived risk of cardiovascular disease and fragmented knowledge, highlighting the need for integrated prevention approaches combining mental well-being and health education.
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major global health problem, causing 17.9 million deaths in 2019, with 85% due to myocardial infarction and stroke. This study explores psychological and behavioural factors that support heart health in psychologically well, asymptomatic individuals. METHOD: A qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 149 participants recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. RESULTS: Four major themes were identified: (1) Heart Health Overview, (2) Relationship between Psychological Health and Heart Health, (3) Strategies for Maintaining Heart Health, and (4) Educational Resources. Participants typically reported low perceived risk of cardiovascular disease, demonstrated fragmented knowledge, and were primarily motivated by social or aesthetic concerns rather than health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for integrated cardiovascular disease prevention approaches that incorporate psychological readiness, mental health support, and health education strategies tailored for asymptomatic individuals. Practical implications include developing public health campaigns that combine mental well-being with cardiovascular disease risk education and expanding the use of digital tools to bridge gaps in clinical knowledge among healthy populations.
Alagöz et al. (Fri,) conducted a other in Healthy adults (n=149). Psychological and behavioral factors was evaluated on Themes identified regarding heart health overview, psychological health, prevention strategies, and educational resources. Psychologically healthy, asymptomatic adults typically reported low perceived risk of cardiovascular disease, demonstrated fragmented knowledge, and were primarily motivated by social or aesthetic concerns rather than health literacy.