Introduction: Obliterative arterial disease of the lower limbs is a marker of advanced
atherosclerosis. It is one of the world’s most common cardiovascular diseases,
present in one in five people over the age of 60, and carries an increased risk
of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge
of patients and their carers about obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs
at Conakry University Hospital. Material and Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study lasting 3
months, from March 12 to June 12, 2022 in the hospitals of the University
Hospital of Conakry (Donka and Ignace Deen). Following free and informed
consent, they were interviewed on the basis of a pre-established questionnaire.
Socio-demographic data (age, gender, level of education) were collected,
and knowledge of obliterative
arterial disease of the lower limbs. Results: The study involved 159
people, comprising 106 patients (66.66%) and 53 accompanying persons (33.34%)
in the hospitals of the University Hospital of Conakry (Donka and Ignace Deen).
The 60 to 79 age group was the most represented (44.7%), with an average age of
55.4 ± 15.9 years and extremes of 20 to 84 years. Half (47.8%) had not attended
school, and almost all (96.4%) of those who had attended school had a low level
of education (primary and secondary). Almost all of them (91.2%) had never
heard of AOMI. Only 5% identified at least one risk factor, diabetes,
hypertension and smoking. Amputation was the most frequently identified
complication. About
98% did not know that AOMI is associated with myocardial infarction and stroke,
and 93.7% did not know of any complications. Almost all the participants
(99.4%) had poor knowledge of the following complications. Conclusion: Obliterative
arterial disease of the lower limbs could be prevented or delayed by screening
and controlling risk factors. Our results show a huge deficit in knowledge of
this pathology, including risk factors, preventive measures, clinical signs and
complications among patients and their relatives. A study conducted outside the
hospital environment would provide a better understanding of the extent to which
the general population is unaware of this disease.
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