Evaluation of changes in public interest concerning lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors between 1990 and 1995

Abstract

Objective - To assess changes between 1990 and 1995 in the knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors, attitudes to lifestyle changes and to the role of primary health care in preventive work in an urban population. Design - Postal questionnaire. Setting - South-western Stockholm. Subjects - 1000 randomly selected men and women aged 40 to 64 years. Main outcome measures - Knowledge of and attitudes toward cardiovascular risk factors and contacts with primary health care. Results - Response rate was 67%. In 1995 69% thought it important to know one's own lipid values (75% in 1990; 95% CI for change -11, -2). Forty-two per cent thought hyperlipidaemia was a definite cause of coronary heart disease (CHD) (50% in 1990; 95% CI for change -13, -2). Sixty-one per cent thought that a reduction in hyperlipidaemia would reduce cardiovascular risk (70% in 1990; CI for change -14, -4), and 53% thought that a reduction in hypertension would do so (65% in 1990; CI for change -17, -7). Fewer people believed in the negative consequences of eating habits. A majority expected doctors to know about patients' smoking (88%) or drinking (87%) habits. Conclusion - Interest in hyperlipidaemia declined between 1990 and 1995, but people expected doctors to take an interest in patients' lifestyles and in prevention. This knowledge is an important working tool for physicians.