A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude towards Myocardial Infarction and Medical Care Seeking Among Adults from Selected Community in Mangalore

Abstract

Myocardial infarction is the irreversible death of heart muscle secondary to prolonged lack of oxygen supply. Approximately 1.5 million cases of myocardial infarction occur annualy in the United States. In India, heart attack deaths have been on the rise, with a 12.5% increase recorded in 2024 compared to the previous year, specifically 32,457 people died with heart attack in 2024, according to the national crime records of bureau (NCRB) The study to assess the knowledge and attitude towards myocardial infarction and medical care seeking among adults in selected community in Mangalore. A true experimental study design collected from selected people in community age between 31-60. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire both knowledge analysing questionnaire and attitude analysing questionnaire. The study identified that the majority of 57.5% adults were between 41-50 years old, 42.5% of adults were between 51-60 years old, and 0% of adults were between 31-40 years old. The majority, 45%, were Hindus, 27.5% were Christians, 27.5% were Muslims, and 0% were of other religions. The majority (70%) of adults were female, and 30% were male. In this study, 5% of adults have inadequate knowledge, 55% have moderate knowledge, and 16% have adequate knowledge regarding myocardial infarction and medical care-seeking. 2.5% of adults have an unfavourable attitude, 62.5% of adults have a neutral attitude, and 35% of adults have a favourable attitude towards myocardial infarction and medical care seeking. These findings suggest that more research is needed to elicit the knowledge and attitude regarding myocardial infarction and medical care seeking.