Evaluating the Knowledge and Practices of General Practitioners in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment at Three Referral Hospitals in Bujumbura, Burundi

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) encompass a range of non-communicable conditions that share a common pathophysiological process related to atherosclerosis. Currently, CVD are the leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 17.9 million deaths attributed to these conditions in 2019. In Africa, the burden of CVD is steadily increasing, leading to a rise in years lived with disability. In Burundi, however, cardiovascular diseases are poorly documented, and there is a lack of data on the extent to which general practitioners (GPs) assess cardiovascular risk among their patients. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices of GPs regarding global cardiovascular risk assessment, providing evidence to inform policymakers and training institutions on potential strategies for improving cardiovascular care.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in three national hospitals in Burundi: Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Bujumbura (CHUK), Hôpital Prince Régent Charles (HPRC), and Hôpital Militaire de Kamenge (HMK), all located in Bujumbura capital city. Study participants were general practitioners working in the outpatient departments of these hospitals. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were generated to analyse the findings. The level of knowledge regarding cardiovascular disease was assessed based on scoring systems derived from the questionnaire. The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Burundi.
Results: The participation rate was 86.8%, with 66 participants out of 76 completing the study. Among respondents, 68% had less than five years of professional experience. Only 40.9% demonstrated adequate knowledge of cardiovascular disease, and a mere 18.18% possessed sufficient knowledge of therapeutic objectives and treatment strategies. In practice, 77.3% of participants reported routinely assessing cardiovascular risk; however, 42% of those in need of lipid-lowering therapy did not prescribe such medications, highlighting gaps between clinical practice and guideline adherence
Conclusions: Identified gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practitioners concerning cardiovascular disease prevention highlight the need for decision-makers, training institutions, and universities to prioritise the development of ongoing in-service training programmes to enhance their capacity in this area.