MULTIFACETED INVESTIGATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PERCEPTION FROM A HEALTH PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE IN A HUNGARIAN COMMUNITY SAMPLE: THE BUDAKALÁSZ EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDY
Ocsovszky Zsófia
Theoretical and Translational Medicine
Dr. Kellermayer Miklós
SE Ér- és Szívsebészeti Klinika előadóterme
2025-08-21 10:00:00
Cardiovascular Disorders: Physiology and Medicine of Ischaemic Circulatory Diseases
Dr. Merkely Béla
Dr. Csabai Márta
Dr. Major János
Pigniczkiné Dr. Rigó Adrien
Dr. Purebl György
Dr. Eszlári Nóra
Dr. Indries Krisztián
According to our knowledge, no multifaceted insight into the Hungarian population has happened regarding cardiovascular risk so far. There is a high need for research results in the Hungarian population for well-planned and evidence-based interventional programs. Thus, our main objective was a multifaceted investigation of our Hungarian sample from a health-psychological perspective involving the most relevant aspects from a cardio- protective view.
This dissertation aimed to explore, on one hand, the protective and harmful psychosocial factors contributing to cardiovascular risk perception and awareness as well as health behaviour, and on the other hand, to explore the different types of cardiovascular risk perception and the effect of cardiovascular risk communication to the change of health behaviour.
Relevant research results found in international studies can be applied to our studied population. Our findings suggest that objective assessment and communication of CVD risk can facilitate change and maintain health behaviour. Correcting misperceptions of CVD in time is especially important. Our results raise the need and question of CVD screenings, as there is currently a lack of comprehensive cardiovascular risk screening in primary care, even though simple communication of cardiovascular risk showed a significant change in the involved population even after seven years. Additional studies are required to reinforce these findings.
During the development of preventive interventions targeting cardio-protective health behaviour, it is essential to focus on health-related social support by mobilising existing social networks or creating self-help groups. Levels of depression, perceived stress and well-being can significantly impact appropriate health behaviours both directly and through social support. Psychological states may contribute to erroneous self-assessment of CVD risk, often resulting in pessimistic assessments. These findings suggest that identifying subclinical mood disorders is important for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Their management can be addressed through health psychology approaches and interventions to promote appropriate health behaviours. From a clinical perspective, the identification of optimistic evaluators is also critical. Developing optimal interventions for their treatment requires further research that explores the methods of intervention and how to reach this population effectively.
