Vol. 51 | No. 2 | July-December 2023 Back

Open Access

Perceptions, Insights, and Attitudes of Selected Filipino Female Physicians on Cardiovascular Risks and Diseases

Lilybell Victoria E. Estepa, Aileen Cynthia F. De Lara
Dec 2023 DOI 10.69944/pjc.c085d0715c

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, perceptions, insights and attitudes on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, personal health-related lifestyle practices, and lifestyle counseling practices of selected female physicians who are practicing or training in the PH.
METHODS: This was a descriptive ambispective cross-sectional study where the survey questionnaire was adapted and modified with the authors’ permission, conducted online, and answered by 484 consenting female physicians.
RESULTS: The majority had accurate responses to the CVD prevention knowledge items; 36.98% had hypertension, 32% were obese, 28.5% had dyslipidemia, and 17.2% had diabetes mellitus; 60.33% practice sleep of 6 to 8 hours, 53.51% eat vegetables and fruits daily, 55.79% prefer fish and seafood, 89.05% do not smoke, 61.2% take coffee or black tea daily, 84.51% have no regular exercise, and 30.79% of those who do exercise for only 10 to 20 minutes; 67.98% add salt or soy or fish sauce to their meals, and 72.73% do not drink enough water daily; 44.42% do not undergo annual general check-up, and 58.06% do not have a personal physician. Limitations due to COVID-19 pandemic, lack of education, and expensive screening tests are perceived to be major barriers to CVD screening. More than 90% practice health teachings on diabetes mellitus prevention, hypertension screening, cholesterol screening and management, nutrition, and weight management. Counseling on regular exercise, smoking, and alcohol abuse is practiced by 88.02%, 85.74%, and 83.88% of our respondents, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Enhancement in physicians’ knowledge and behavior toward CVD risk management and prevention is an integral part in the improvement of CVD prevention.
KEYWORDS: cardiovascular risks and diseases, Filipino female physicians, prevention

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