Exploratory study into awareness of heart disease and health care seeking behavior among Emirati women (UAE) - Cross sectional descriptive study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12905-017-0445-4
• Publication Date: 2017-09-26T08:07:21Z
• Authors: Sarah Khan; Syed Adnan Ali
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Descriptive research; Exploratory research

Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death among women in United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2010. Heart attacks usually happen older thus symptoms heart may be masked by chronic diseases, which could explain delay seeking health care and higher mortality following an ischaemic episode women. This study seeks to a) highlight awareness diseases Emirati b) understand women's behaviour UAE. A cross sectional, descriptive conducted using a survey instrument adapted from American Association National survey. convenience sample 676 between ages 18–55 years completed questionnaire. The showed low levels associated risk factors women; only 19.4% participants were found aware diseases. Awareness highest Dubai (OR 2.18, p < 0.05) all other emirates 18–45 age group 2.74, 0.05). Despite levels, paradoxically perceived themselves self-efficacious care. Interestingly, just 49.1% believed that good quality affordable available Only 28.8% there sufficient female doctors respond needs Furthermore, 36.7% chose treated UAE over treatment countries. clearly lack knowledge on severity vulnerability region is essential improve cardiovascular related outcomes. has identified need for wider outreach focuses gender specific risks symptoms. also highlighted potential modifiable barriers should overcome reduce morbidity due national