Cardiovascular diseases health literacy among Italian navy personnel: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives: This study assesses cardiovascular disease (CVD) awareness among Italian Navy personnel, emphasizing the understanding of risk factors. It aims to provide insights that could enhance health education initiatives tailored to military settings. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods...

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Main Authors: L. Rondinini, V. Di Fiore, M. Pasquale, G. Cruschelli, D. Rocchi, F. Baglivo, A. Baggiani, A.D. Porretta
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-02-01
Series:Preventive Medicine Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335525000178
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author L. Rondinini
V. Di Fiore
M. Pasquale
G. Cruschelli
D. Rocchi
F. Baglivo
A. Baggiani
A.D. Porretta
author_facet L. Rondinini
V. Di Fiore
M. Pasquale
G. Cruschelli
D. Rocchi
F. Baglivo
A. Baggiani
A.D. Porretta
author_sort L. Rondinini
collection DOAJ
description Objectives: This study assesses cardiovascular disease (CVD) awareness among Italian Navy personnel, emphasizing the understanding of risk factors. It aims to provide insights that could enhance health education initiatives tailored to military settings. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: From February 2021 to March 2022, participants were enrolled through opportunistic sampling among Italian Navy personnel. They were surveyed using a structured questionnaire divided into two parts. It was designed to elicit open-ended and closed-ended responses on their knowledge of CVD, its risk factors, and associated diagnostic thresholds. Statistical analyses included logistic regression conducted with R software. Results: A total of 785 participants were enrolled. The findings indicate a higher recognition of acute myocardial infarction and hypertension compared to other diseases like atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy. For risk factors, smoking was recognized by 57 % of respondents, while only 60 % correctly identified the diagnostic threshold for total cholesterol. Logistic regression analysis showed significant differences in awareness levels based on sex and rank (p < 000000.1); officers had higher awareness than enlisted personnel (p < 000000.1). Conclusions: The results demonstrate significant disparities in CVD risk awareness among different ranks and sexes within the Italian Navy, highlighting the need for tailored educational programs. Through specific interventions, Addressing these knowledge gaps could enhance the health outcomes of military personnel and the overall efficacy of Navy health strategies. Furthermore, the work and life environment of the Navy could allow for more in-depth health education initiatives, leading to the adoption of healthier lifestyles by the personnel.
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spelling doaj-art-a74a1dea36e54598b2ff19c894354f612025-02-08T05:00:18ZengElsevierPreventive Medicine Reports2211-33552025-02-0150102978Cardiovascular diseases health literacy among Italian navy personnel: A cross-sectional surveyL. Rondinini0V. Di Fiore1M. Pasquale2G. Cruschelli3D. Rocchi4F. Baglivo5A. Baggiani6A.D. Porretta7Italian Navy Medical Service, Livorno, ItalyItalian Navy Medical Service, Livorno, ItalyDepartment of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Corresponding author at: via San Zeno 35, Pisa, PI 56123, Italy.Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyObjectives: This study assesses cardiovascular disease (CVD) awareness among Italian Navy personnel, emphasizing the understanding of risk factors. It aims to provide insights that could enhance health education initiatives tailored to military settings. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: From February 2021 to March 2022, participants were enrolled through opportunistic sampling among Italian Navy personnel. They were surveyed using a structured questionnaire divided into two parts. It was designed to elicit open-ended and closed-ended responses on their knowledge of CVD, its risk factors, and associated diagnostic thresholds. Statistical analyses included logistic regression conducted with R software. Results: A total of 785 participants were enrolled. The findings indicate a higher recognition of acute myocardial infarction and hypertension compared to other diseases like atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy. For risk factors, smoking was recognized by 57 % of respondents, while only 60 % correctly identified the diagnostic threshold for total cholesterol. Logistic regression analysis showed significant differences in awareness levels based on sex and rank (p < 000000.1); officers had higher awareness than enlisted personnel (p < 000000.1). Conclusions: The results demonstrate significant disparities in CVD risk awareness among different ranks and sexes within the Italian Navy, highlighting the need for tailored educational programs. Through specific interventions, Addressing these knowledge gaps could enhance the health outcomes of military personnel and the overall efficacy of Navy health strategies. Furthermore, the work and life environment of the Navy could allow for more in-depth health education initiatives, leading to the adoption of healthier lifestyles by the personnel.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335525000178Cardiovascular diseasesCardiovascular risk factorsPreventionAwarenessNavyCross-sectional survey
spellingShingle L. Rondinini
V. Di Fiore
M. Pasquale
G. Cruschelli
D. Rocchi
F. Baglivo
A. Baggiani
A.D. Porretta
Cardiovascular diseases health literacy among Italian navy personnel: A cross-sectional survey
Preventive Medicine Reports
Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular risk factors
Prevention
Awareness
Navy
Cross-sectional survey
title Cardiovascular diseases health literacy among Italian navy personnel: A cross-sectional survey
title_full Cardiovascular diseases health literacy among Italian navy personnel: A cross-sectional survey
title_fullStr Cardiovascular diseases health literacy among Italian navy personnel: A cross-sectional survey
title_full_unstemmed Cardiovascular diseases health literacy among Italian navy personnel: A cross-sectional survey
title_short Cardiovascular diseases health literacy among Italian navy personnel: A cross-sectional survey
title_sort cardiovascular diseases health literacy among italian navy personnel a cross sectional survey
topic Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular risk factors
Prevention
Awareness
Navy
Cross-sectional survey
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335525000178
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