Cardiovascular diseases and health:patient perspectives

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges to public health in Kazakhstan is the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Perceptions of responsibility in health vary across populations [1], and research in Kazakhstan has revealed that patients tend to place the responsibility for their health on doctors rather than on their own individual health choices [2]. Due to the relationship between lifestyle and many CVDs, this presents a problem for the future health of Kazakhstan's public. This study examined the perspectives of patients being treated for CVDs regarding their care and lifestyles in order to be able to inform patient education and behavior change efforts as well as improve larger public health promotion.