Knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Sierra Leone: a qualitative study of patients' and community leaders' perceptions.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there are no previous studies on the knowledge and the awareness of these conditions in the community. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and understanding of CVDRF, as well as the perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing care for these conditions, among patients and community leaders in Sierra Leone.

Design

Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews and focus group discussions.

Setting

Urban and rural Bo District, Sierra Leone.

Participants

Interviews with a purposive sample of 37 patients and two focus groups with six to nine community leaders.

Results

While participants possessed ge

SUBMITTER: Ignatowicz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7745312 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature