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Percepção da doença cardíaca e cerebral e dos factores de risco cardiovasculares em Portugal : estudo AMALIA

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Resumo:Introduction: There is a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors in the European population. In order to decrease their incidence, it is necessary to adopt healthy lifestyles and to apply appropriate therapeutic measures. There is therefore a need to inform, to motivate, and to evaluate attitudes and the effectiveness of the measures put into practice. Objectives: The study’s main objective is to determine the prevalence of the main clinical manifestations of ischemic heart and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as cardiovascular risk factors, according to how they are perceived, and to evaluate consumption of health resources (such as hospitalization and medication). Secondary objectives are to characterize work absenteeism and the quality of life of those surveyed. Study design: Cross-sectional study, using a structured questionnaire in a direct interview. Population: 38,000 individuals of both genders, aged 40 years or more. Study location: Randomly selected municipalities in seven Portuguese regions. Measurements: The questionnaire covers sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, use of medication and health care services (hospitalizations, medical appointments and diagnostic exams) for the treatment and follow-up of these pathologies, and also quality of life. Quality control: Morbidity data were validated through a pilot study involving 500 individuals from Lisbon, Porto and Leiria. These individuals were requested to fill in the questionnaire, and their blood pressure, total cholesterol level, weight, height, and hip and waist circumference are assessed. Conclusions: Despite its limitations, which include the evaluation of diseases based on self-reporting, the methodology adopted is justified by the advantage of ease of application, notably the need for fewer resources. A health examination survey-type study of this size would be difficult to implement. The evaluation of patients’ perception regarding risk factors, cardiovascular diseases and quality of life may help to define the needs and priorities for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, which are essential in order to reduce their incidence.
Autores principais:Macedo, Ana
Outros Autores:Santos, Ana; Rocha, Evangelista; Perdigão, Carlos
Assunto:Prevalence Self-reporting Cerebrovascular disease Coronary heart disease Risk factors Atherosclerosis
Ano:2008
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso restrito
Instituição associada:Universidade de Lisboa
Idioma:português
Origem:Repositório da Universidade de Lisboa

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