CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK FACTORS

Abstract

1218 This study was designed to examine three cardiovascular disease risk factors: physical activity, diet, and smoking habits in samples from Wellington, New Zealand and Boise, Idaho. Respondents (N = 342) included corporate workers, university students, older adults, church members, and school personnel. New Zealand respondents ranged in age from 18 to 86 years (M = 38.6 years), while the United States sample ranged in age from 18 to 80 (M = 43.5 years). A series of MANOVAs were conducted and standardized discriminant coefficients and univariate F's were examined to determine which dependent variable(s) contributed most to the differences (p < .05). Significant differences emerged between the New Zealand and United States samples for moderate (p < .01) and vigorous (p < .001) physical activity. A significant difference existed with respect to vegetable (p < .001), fruit (p < .05) and saturated fat (p < .01) consumption. The percentage of New Zealanders who indicated they had never smoked was 59%, while 18 % responded they currently smoke. In comparison, 72 % of the American sample had never smoked, while only 6 % of the respondents indicated they currently smoke. The results indicate that simultaneous control of cardiovascular disease risk factors is a problem for both samples. That is, regardless of how well an individual controls one risk factor (i.e., physical activity), it will not compensate totally for inappropriate dietary habits and/or other negative lifestyle behaviors at reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.