ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC AWARENESS REGARDING RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK AND STROKE IN DISTRICT MARDAN

Abstract

Background: In Pakistan, heart attacks and strokes represent critical public health crises leading to avoidable morbidity and mortality, frequently driven by a lack of public understanding and delayed symptom recognition. This study evaluates adult public awareness regarding cardiovascular risk factors and acute warning indicators within District Mardan.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional community survey was executed among 167 adults in District Mardan utilizing a structured questionnaire adapted from validated literature. Bivariate associations between demographic factors and awareness levels were calculated using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: Approximately 70% of respondents successfully identified core cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Acute warning signs were widely recognized: chest pain (90.4%), abrupt weakness/numbness (89.8%), shortness of breath (86.8%), and dizziness/sweating (86.8%). A statistically significant correlation was observed between risk factor knowledge and age (p=0.016). Females demonstrated slightly higher awareness of stroke symptoms (p=0.041) and higher preventive activity (p=0.018). No significant urban-rural distinctions were detected.

Conclusion: Adults in District Mardan exhibit a moderate baseline awareness of heart attacks and strokes, with notable knowledge disparities among younger populations and males. Expanding nursing-led health promotion campaigns can bridge these gaps, lower the regional cardiovascular burden, and foster early care-seeking behaviors