Public Knowledge of Cardiovascular Diseases and its Risk Factors in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia

Samer Alabdali; Shahad Aljahdali; Donia Alghamdi; Nawaf Alahmadi; Aljauhra Alqarni; Ghassan Alluqmani; Ahmad Alahmadi; Anmar Mandourah

doi:10.54293/smhj.v6i1.181

Authors

Samer Fahad Alabdali Medical Intern, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8651-1896
Shahad Dhaifallah Aljahdali Medical Student, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA.
Donia Jamaan Alghamdi Medical Student, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4802-3821
Nawaf Emad Alahmadi Medical Student, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7173-5686
Aljauhra Saeed Alqarni Medical Student, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2713-8883
Ghassan Thabet Alluqmani Medical Student, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4402-1312
Ahmad Saleh Alahmadi Medical Student, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA.
Anmar Jamil Mandourah Assistant Professor, College of Al-Qunfudah Health Sciences. Medical Emergency Services Department, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0061-5542

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v6i1.181

Keywords:

Cardiovascular diseases, Public awareness, Risk factors, Makkah City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and aim: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death globally, with both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors playing major roles in their development. Limited research exists on public awareness of CVDs in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding CVDs and their risk factors among the adult population in Makkah.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2025 among the general population in Makkah City. Data were collected using a validated Arabic-based, self-administered online questionnaire. Participants included residents aged 18 and above from various educational and occupational backgrounds.

Results: A total of 676 participants were participated, with 63.2% being female. The majority (38.3%) were aged 18–25 years, and 74.0% held a university degree. Most respondents (94.8%) were Saudi nationals. Although 91.7% had heard of heart attacks, only 57.4% demonstrated good overall knowledge of CVDs and their risk factors. Notably, those with higher education levels, CPR training, or prior CPR experience showed significantly better awareness.

Conclusion: Despite high exposure to general CVDs information, many participants displayed limited understanding of less common symptoms and specific risk factors. Educational efforts, particularly those incorporating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, withtargeting younger and less-informed groups, are essential to improve public awareness and reduce the risk of CVDs.