Abstract
BackgroundWomen veterans are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but little is known about comorbidities and healthcare preferences associated with CVD risk in this population. MethodsWe describe the prevalence of CVD-relevant health behaviors, mental health symptoms, and health care use characteristics and preferences among participants of the National Survey of Women Veterans (conducted 2008–2009). FindingsFifty-four percent of respondents were at risk for CVD (defined as a diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, current tobacco use, or obesity without CVD). In unadjusted analysis, ORs for being at risk for CVD were greater among those interested in gender-specific clinical settings (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.4) and gender-specific weight loss programs (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1–2.9). ORs were also greater for women who were physically inactive (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1–3.3), with current symptoms of depression (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1–6.1), anxiety (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2–3.6), and posttraumatic stress disorder (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2–4.8). Adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education level, employment, and source of health care use, the ORs for CVD risk were higher for women with current posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (2.5; 95% CI, 1.1–5.3) and gender-specific health care preferences (2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.4), and gender-specific weight loss programs (1.9; 95% CI, 1.1–3.2). ConclusionsRisk for CVD was common and preferences for gender-specific care and posttraumatic stress disorder were associated with being at risk for CVD. Women's health clinics may be a good location for targeted CVD prevention interventions for women veterans both in and outside the Veterans Health Administration.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.