Assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factor knowledge levels and smoking cessation readiness among tobacco users with cardiovascular disease

Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Knowledge Levels and Smoking Cessation Readiness Among Tobacco Users with Cardiovascular Disease Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge about cardiovascular disease risk factors and the determination to quit smoking among tobacco users with cardiovascular disease, and to examine the relationships between these variables and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 380 individuals who used tobacco products and had cardiovascular disease and who visited the Cardiovascular Surgery and Cardiology clinics of Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, and the Kurttepe, Güzelyalı 2, Narlıca 2, Reşatbey, and Levent Family Health Centers in Adana over a three-month period. A questionnaire form inquiring about participants' sociodemographic information, the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (KARRİF-BD) Scale, and the Smoking Cessation Determination Scale were used. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using the SPSS software package. Results: When the KARRİF-BD mean score was examined by gender, it was determined that female participants had a significantly higher level of knowledge than males (p<0.05). There was no significant effect of a history of interventional procedures or operations on the level of knowledge (p>0.05). Men's determination to quit smoking was found to be significantly higher than that of women (p<0.05). A weak but significant negative correlation was observed between age and knowledge level (r=-0.141; p=0.006). Knowledge level decreased as daily tobacco consumption and duration of use increased (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between the determination to quit smoking and the level of knowledge (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that the level of knowledge about risk factors varies according to gender, age and tobacco use characteristics, while a history of interventional procedures or operations does not significantly affect the level of knowledge. Participants' determination to quit smoking was moderate and independent of their level of knowledge. The findings indicate that smoking cessation processes should be supported by behavioral, motivational, and individualized interventions in family medicine practices. Keywords: Cardiovascular disease risk factors knowledge level, Smoking cessation, Tobacco product