Knowledge and Awareness of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Women With a History of Pregnancy Complications in Australia: A World Heart Federation Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and women who experience complications during pregnancy, such as pregnancy loss (miscarriage and stillbirth), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes, have a significantly higher risk of future CVD. Increasing awareness of CVD risk among these women is crucial for effective engagement in risk reduction programs. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a non-probability sampling method was adopted to explore the CVD knowledge and awareness of women with a history of complications of pregnancy. Distribution occurred from February to December 2021 via two tertiary hospitals in Australia and various groups in social media. Results: Of 364 survey responses received, a sample of 299 completed responses were considered for final analysis. The participants' mean knowledge score regarding CVD risk factors was 14.5 (SD +/- 4.6; range 0-25). Among them, 50.2% had poor knowledge, 25.1% had moderate knowledge, and only 24.7% had good knowledge of CVD and its risk factors in women. Statistically significant differences in knowledge scores were observed based on ethnicity (p = 0.009) and education level (p = 0.007). Conclusion: This study revealed a significant gap in CVD knowledge among women with pregnancy complications, highlighting the need for targeted educational programs. Improving health literacy, particularly among high-risk and lower socioeconomic groups, is crucial for reducing CVD incidence.