The Impact of Sociodemographic Factors on Knowledge of Cardiac Procedures

Background: This paper investigates the extent to which sociodemographic factors are associated with knowledge of cardiac procedures in a sample of study participants treated for coronary heart disease (CHD). Research indicates the importance of knowledge of CHD and its associated risks in order to prevent CHD. However, quantification of knowledge levels among individuals undergoing cardiac procedures to treat CHD has not been well documented. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, 156 participants, diverse in race/ethnicity, age, and sex, underwent elective cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of chest pain and/or angina. Participants completed surveys regarding medical history, sociodemographic information, and knowledge of cardiac procedures. Ninety-five of these individuals, with clinically significant CHD, were recommended by their physician to undergo a coronary revascularization procedure [percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)]. These individuals completed additional knowledge assessment surveys. Results: The overall knowledge scores for those undergoing coronary angiography were suboptimal (M score = 4.6 out of 8). Older aged (> 65), male, married, white, college-educated participants demonstrated greater knowledge of cardiac catheterization procedures (all p values < 0.05). Knowledge scores were greater among those revascularized than among participants undergoing coronary angiography. Conclusions: Health professionals should provide general information about CHD treatment and interventions, especially among women and ethnic minorities.