Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Perceived Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome among Jordanian Patients

Abstract

Background: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)-associated mortality is considered high and still raising, where outcomes can be improved through immediate treatment initiation. Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceived risk are cognitive factors that can affect patient’s decision to seek care immediately. Therefore, this study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and perceived risk for future ACS event among Jordanian ACS patients. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used to conveniently recruit 160 ACS patients from CCUs and medical floors at three Jordanian hospitals using the Modified ACS Response Questionnaire. Results: Almost, 65% of participants had low level of ACS knowledge, specifically regarding untraditional ACS symptoms. Some negative attitudes and beliefs toward ACS were found. There was a moderate positive correlation between knowledge score and all of attitudes, beliefs and perceived risk score (r = 0.549, p < 0.01, r = 0.563, p < 0.01, r = 0.545, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Inadequate ACS knowledge, negative attitudes and beliefs toward ACS were associated with low perceived risk for future ACS event. Therefore, it is a priority to develop strategies that consider improving ACS patients’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceived risk. This could be effective to enhance patient’s decision to seek care and reduce ominous outcomes.