Knowledge and health beliefs related to heart disease risk among adults with type 2 diabetes

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and to explore relationships between this knowledge and health beliefs and adherence among adults with type 2 diabetes. Data sources: A convenience sample of 212 adults with type 2 diabetes completed the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire and the health beliefs related to CVD Scale. Conclusions: Knowledge was high for the majority of the sample. Deficits included the link between cholesterol and heart disease; CVD risk factors; and exercises for lowering CVD risk. Significant between-group differences occurred across education level (p =.021) and race (p =.045); participants with less education and who were Hispanic had the lowest knowledge scores. Among the health belief model variables, knowledge was only a significant predictor of perceived benefits (p =.033) and barriers (p =.00). The most common sources of information about diabetes and CVD were TV/radio/magazine/newspaper, healthcare providers, and patient education brochures, with substantially less exposure to CVD information. Implications for practice: This study identified content to emphasize in interventions to improve awareness of CVD risk among adults with diabetes. Hispanic patients and those with low education levels are particularly in need of interventions appropriate to their education level and cultural orientation.