Assessing level of awareness of atrial fibrillation among general public: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of stroke. Poor knowledge of AF in general population contributes to under-detection and treatment delay. Therefore, this study aimed to assess level of awareness of AF among general public in Dhulikhel municipality, Nepal. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study involving quantitative approach using self-administered questionnaire. Participants of age ≥ 50 years from wards 4, 5, 6 and 7 of Dhulikhel municipality were enrolled. English version of AFKAT (Atrial Fibrillation Knowledge Assessment Tool) was translated and validated which was then used to assess the level of awareness of AF. RESULTS: In total 355 respondents were recruited. The mean age group was found to be 65.57 ± 9.99 years. Mean percentage score of level of awareness of AF was found to be only 2.61%, which was very poor. Only 2.54% (n = 9) had good level of knowledge about AF. 95.77% (n = 340) had very poor level of awareness. Significant difference of mean awareness level was found between group with AF and without AF. Respondent with AF had 58.70% score compared with just 2.29% score of non-AF group. Knowledge deficits were more in older participants. The knowledge score of AF was found to be 3.55%, 4.21%, 0.05%, 1.21% and 0% among age groups 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, 80-89 years and ≥ 90 years respectively. Only 2.54% (9 out of 355) correctly identified that AF can lead to blood clot and stroke. Just 2.82% (10 out of 355) respondents recognized that anticoagulants are used to prevent stroke in AF patients. CONCLUSIONS: The level of awareness of AF among general public of Dhulikhel was found to be very poor. Appropriate interventions need to be applied to educate risk groups about AF to reduce future risk of stroke and minimize public health burden. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.