Abstract 12483: Perceived CVD and Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Knowledge is Low Among Well-Educated Chinese Mothers

Abstract

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as CVD and type 2 diabetes (T2D) account for up to 80% of deaths in China. An intervention that reduces CVD and T2D risk in early motherhood could have great impact on the health of Chinese. However, little is known about mothers’ perception of risk for both CVD and T2D. Therefore, we aimed to identify knowledge level and perceived CVD and T2D risk among Chinese women with young children. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to recruit mothers with children aged 3-5 years in 2 preschools in Hunan Province. Validated questionnaires and measures for Chinese populations were completed to assess: Child feeding practice, family eating and physical activity habits, body weight, waist circumference, parental risk perception for diabetes, and CVD risk survey. Multivariate regression was used to determine variables that independently predicted higher perceived risk. Results: Mothers’ (N=196) were mean age 31.0 ±4.3, mean BMI 19.9 ± 3.9, and highly educated as 54% (n=106) had completed college/graduate education. Just 7.3% were overweight/obese (n=14), but 37% (n=73) had waist circumference >80cm. Using the CVD risk survey, 37% (n=73) and 45% (n=88) of mothers reported no perceived risk for coronary heart disease or hypertension, respectively. The parental risk perception for diabetes survey demonstrated low T2D knowledge scores (4.1, range 0-11), 55% (n=107) perceived no risk for developing T2D, and 14% (n=27) reported moderate/high risk for T2D. Predictors associated with increased perceived risk for CVD or T2DM included: Worry about developing T2D (p = .0001) and having blood-related relatives diagnosed with CVD or T2D (p = .003, p = .024 respectively). Conclusions: This is the first known study of perceived CVD and T2D risk in early motherhood in China. Despite highly educated participants, more than one-third perceived no risk for heart disease, almost half no risk for hypertension and more than one-half no risk for T2D, although the vast majority of Chinese will die from NCDs such as CVD and T2D. Having blood relatives increases perceived risk of NCDs but it is speculated that education for young mothers regarding their risk and preventive behaviors would improve CVD outcomes.