Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2023

Publication Title

Heart & Lung

Keywords

cardiovascular, signs and symptoms, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, social determinants of health

Abstract

Background: The time of symptom onset to the time an individual decides to seek care is the most significant contributor to total treatment delay.

Objectives: To explore predictors of ACS symptom knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in adults without diagnosed heart disease.

Methods: We used a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design, employing an online survey including the ACS Response Index and the avoidance subscale of the Coping Strategy Indicator. We leveraged social media platforms and a university email list-serv to enroll participants. Stepwise hierarchical linear regressions were used.

Results: We analyzed responses from 981 participants, with a mean age of 35.2 years (SD 16.5) and 75% female. The regression analyses yielded models that explained 14%, 23%, and 25% of the variance for knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes, respectively. Ethnicity, race, exposure to ACS symptom information (in the media or by teaching), and perceived health were the predictors of ACS symptom knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs with the largest effect, though others were statistically significant.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of community education to raise awareness of ACS symptoms while considering social determinants of health. Future research and clinician interventions for ACS symptom knowledge, attitudes and beliefs should be expanded with a focus on ethnicity and gender.

DOI

10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.03.006

Comments

This is an accepted manuscript of an article first published in Heart & Lung 60, July-August 2023, Pages 102-107. Please consult the publisher's version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.03.006.

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