Journal article
Low level of knowledge of heart attack symptoms and inappropriate anticipated treatment-seeking behaviour among older Chinese: a cross-sectional survey
Journal of epidemiology and community health (1979), Vol.72(7), pp.645-652
07/2018
DOI: 10.1136/jech-2017-210157
PMID: 29581229
Abstract
BackgroundPrehospital delay of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is common globally, and Hong Kong—home of a rapidly ageing Chinese population—is not an exception. Seeking emergency medical care promptly is important for patients. Treatment-seeking behaviours have been shown to be associated with knowledge of AMI symptoms and specific cultural beliefs. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of AMI symptoms and expected treatment-seeking behaviour among older Chinese in Hong Kong.MethodsA cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted at the Elderly Health Centres in Hong Kong from March to September 2016. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a structured questionnaire based on previous studies and local adaptations.ResultsAmong 1804 people aged 65 years and above who completed the questionnaire, chest pain (80.2%), palpitations (75.8%) and fainting (71.9%) were the major symptoms recognised as AMI related. Meanwhile, stomach ache (46.9%), coughing (45.4%) and neck pain (40.8%) were recognised as not AMI related. The mean expected discomfort intensity during AMI onset was 7.7 out of 10 (SD=2.1). Regarding the expected treatment-seeking behaviour, seeking non-emergent medical care was the most popular action when AMI symptoms emerged during the day, without chest pain or with lower discomfort intensity, whereas calling an ambulance was the most common option when AMI symptoms emerged at night or with high discomfort intensity.ConclusionsTo minimise delays in seeking treatment, future health education should focus on increasing the public knowledge of AMI symptoms and the need to call an ambulance during an emergency.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Low level of knowledge of heart attack symptoms and inappropriate anticipated treatment-seeking behaviour among older Chinese: a cross-sectional survey
- Creators
- Pui Hing Chau - School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaGordon Moe - Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, CanadaSiu Yin Lee - Department of Health, Elderly Health Service, Hong Kong, ChinaJean Woo - Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaAngela Y M Leung - Centre for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, ChinaChi-Ming Chow - Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, CanadaCecilia Kong - School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaWing Tung Lo - School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaMing Hay Yuen - School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaJulie Zerwic - College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of epidemiology and community health (1979), Vol.72(7), pp.645-652
- DOI
- 10.1136/jech-2017-210157
- PMID
- 29581229
- ISSN
- 0143-005X
- eISSN
- 1470-2738
- Grant note
- name: Early Career Scheme of the University Grants Committee, Hong Kong
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/2018
- Academic Unit
- Nursing Administration and Gen; Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984119915402771
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