Addressing Health Disparity Concerns among Residents at risk for Cardiovascular Disease in an Alabama Black Belt County

Abstract

The occurrence and the disparities of chronic diseases among African Americans continue to be areas of concern among nutrition and health researchers. Cardiovascular disparities in the Black Belt counties are higher than the state and the national averages. This survey was designed to 1) determine the readiness of individuals to participate in a community faith‐based nutrition education program; and 2) to uncover what were the perceived health concerns of residents in the community. In preparation for implementation of a nutrition education intervention program designed to reduce cardiovascular disease among African Americans, a community opinion questionnaire (COQ) was pilot tested and mailed to potential participants.Ninety‐nine (99%) of the respondents perceived community programs to be important. While 96.1% felt comfortable participating in a community outreach program and 89.3% expressed their commitment to the end. The trust factor for research still posed a problem but 87.5% agreed to participate if it was conducted by Tuskegee University. They relied on physicians (35.8%), churches (28.5), and their respective spouse (14.5%) to obtain information about their health. Approximately eighty six percent (85.9%) desired to change dietary habits with 54.3% worried about their health; however, only 47.5% exercised regularly.