Exploring cardiovascular risk perception in a sample of Italian adults

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk perception is a key factor influencing preventive behaviors. In this study, we examined cardiovascular risk perception, and its association with individual characteristics, in a sample of adults aged 40-69 with high 10-year cardiovascular risk enrolled in a multicenter randomized controlled trial, as part of the INNOvative personalized cardiovascular disease PREVention in high-risk adults (INNOPREV) project (PNRR-MAD-2022-12375795). We also explored if changes occurred during the follow-up. Methods Cardiovascular risk perception was assessed using the Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease (HBCVD) scale at the enrolment and follow-up visits. HBCVD is a 25-item Likert scale evaluating perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers. After calculating individuals’ scores (range 25-100) appropriate statical tests were used to test associations with socio-demographic characteristics. Changes between the time of enrolment and the first follow-up visit at six months were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results The analysis considered 202 participants who had the six month follow-up visit by April 2025 (median age 58, 47.5% females). The mean HBCVD score at the enrollment was 62.3 (SD 5.8) thus showing a moderate risk perception. The statistical analyses did not shown any significant association between HBCVD score and sex, marital and occupational status, age and education. Lastly, no significant differences in scores between baseline and follow-up were shown, although a trend towards a reduction was observed (z = -1.778; p = 0.0754). Conclusions Risk perception is not strong in adults with high 10-year cardiovascular risk and seems to be not influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. These findings, together with the slight change in risk perception during the trial, underscore the complexity of modifying risk perception and the need for further research in the field. Key messages • Cardiovascular risk perception is not strong in adults and is not influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. • Modifying cardiovascular risk perception is challening but represents a relevant public health objective.