BRIDGING THE GAP IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTION: EVALUATING FAMILY PHYSICIANS' KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION OF GUIDELINES IN PRIMARY CARE

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating effective preventive strategies within primary care settings. Family physicians (FPs) play a crucial role in promoting heart-healthy lifestyles, yet their adherence to clinical guidelines varies. Understanding the factors influencing FPs' knowledge and application of CVD prevention strategies is essential for improving patient outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 family physicians working in primary healthcare settings. A structured questionnaire was distributed via email, assessing physicians' knowledge and application of CVD prevention guidelines. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression to identify key determinants affecting physicians’ knowledge levels. Results: The study revealed that only 14.2% of FPs achieved an acceptable knowledge score (≥70%), while 48.7% met the threshold for guideline application. European CVD prevention guidelines were the most frequently used (67.3%). Significant barriers to guideline adherence included insufficient knowledge (62.8%) and inadequate counselling skills (37.9%). Female physicians, senior practitioners, and those following national guidelines demonstrated higher adherence to prevention strategies. Multiple regression analysis explained 28% of the variance in knowledge scores and 35% in application scores. Conclusion: Despite the recognized role of FPs in CVD prevention, significant gaps exist in their knowledge and application of evidence-based guidelines. Targeted training programs, improved access to educational resources, and enhanced risk assessment models are needed to strengthen preventive care. Future research should explore patient engagement strategies and the integration of behavioural interventions in primary care.