Predictors of participation in atrial fibrillation screening among community residents in China.

• Most participants (77.4%) reported a willingness to participate in AF screening. • Participants demonstrated poor knowledge of the consequences, treatment, and symptoms of AF, whereas they generally held positive attitudes toward AF screening. • Participants were more likely to participate in AF screening when they perceived great control over the behavior, held a positive attitude toward screening, and had an AF diagnosis. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased stroke risk, but many cases of AF remain undiagnosed. Screening is suggested for early detection of AF. However, nonparticipation in screening is frequently reported, and the underlying causes of why patients choose to participate or not are poorly understood. To explore factors associated with participation in AF screening in a high-risk population in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among community residents who were at risk for AF in Guangzhou, China, from February to September 2022. Data on AF knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and willingness to participate in AF screening were collected. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was performed to explore predictors for participation in AF screening. In total, 420 participants were included, with a mean age of 74.4 (±7.43) years old. The results showed that 77.4% of participants reported that they were likely to participate in AF screening. The results of multiple linear regression showed that perceived behavioral control (β =0.591, 95% CI: 0.071, 0.094), attitude (β =0.085, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.025), and having an AF diagnosis (β =0.098, 95% CI: 0.068, 0.494) were positively associated with willingness to participate in AF screening. Chinese patients are more likely to participate in AF screening when they perceive great control over their behavior, hold a positive attitude, and have an AF diagnosis. The findings provide clues for future interventions aimed at improving the AF screening participation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]