Public Knowledge of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A Street Survey in the Suburbs of Birmingham, UK

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) consists of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), causing considerable morbidity and mortality. The economic burden on the NHS of this common preventable condition is significant. Whilst studies into public knowledge of other conditions are published, there is no current literature regarding DVT public knowledge. Aims: Primary aim: to assess the extent of public knowledge of DVT. Secondary aim: to assess the influence of socio-demographic factors upon DVT knowledge. Methods: A street survey of 385 participants was performed in two suburbs of Birmingham, UK using an interviewerassisted open questionnaire. Results: Participants named a mean of 1.41, 1.18, 0.856 and 1.22 correct symptoms, risk factors, complications and preventative methods, respectively. 41.5% named flying as a risk factor. 31.3% named death as a complication of DVT and 8.88% of participants identified that a blood clot could travel to the lungs. A higher proportion incorrectly stated it could travel to the heart (24.0%) or brain (17.4%). 38.5% were unable to name any DVT complications. Males, those in lower socio-economic classes, those of Non-White ethnicity and the over-70s were found to have significantly poorer knowledge. Knowledge decreased with socio-economic status in a trendlike manner. Conclusions: Overall, knowledge of DVT was limited. This study supports the concept of a VTE public awareness campaign, with particular focus on the complications of DVT and raising awareness amongst people in the above sociodemographic groups.