Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Screening Practices Regarding Diabetic Cardiovascular Risk Among Males with Type 2 Diabetes in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) substantially increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet preventive screening uptake remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income settings, including Pakistan. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices regarding diabetic cardiovascular risk among males with T2DM in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan, and to examine differences by educational field (medical vs non-medical). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in ICT between January and April 2025 among 480 adult males with physician-diagnosed T2DM. A structured questionnaire captured socio-demographics, knowledge of diabetic cardiovascular risk, attitudes toward physician-recommended screening, and self-reported preventive screening within the preceding 12 months. Group differences were evaluated using Chi-square tests and effect sizes, and multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) controlling for age group, overall education, employment, and marital status. Results: Awareness that T2DM increases heart disease risk was 72.9% (350/480), and familiarity with lipid profile testing was 54.2% (260/480). Willingness to undergo screening if advised by a physician was 62.5% (300/480), whereas only 33.3% (160/480) reported receiving a cardiovascular health check-up in the past 12 months. Medical-background participants demonstrated higher awareness (81.8% vs 65.4%; p<0.001) and screening uptake (40.9% vs 26.9%; p=0.002); medical background independently predicted awareness (AOR 2.23; 95% CI 1.41–3.52) and screening uptake (AOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.20–2.88). Conclusion: Despite moderately high risk awareness and favorable attitudes, preventive cardiovascular screening uptake among males with T2DM in ICT remains limited, with significant educational disparities, underscoring the need for structured physician-led screening integration and targeted risk literacy interventions.