Knowledge, attitudes, treatment practices, and health behaviors of nurses regarding blood cholesterol and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns concerning cholesterol and heart disease were evaluated in a stratified, random sample of 206 registered nurses at a major academic medical center in New York City. Virtually all nurses were convinced of the importance of diet in reducing heart disease risk, and most (78%) agreed that nutrition counseling should be their responsibility. Although only 19% reported that they were currently counseling, many more felt prepared to counsel about diet or drug therapy (43%). Nurses who were likely to counsel were those working in general medicine, those who were certified nurse practitioners, those who knew their own blood cholesterol level, and those with higher knowledge scores. Level of overall knowledge was associated with the practice of counseling, an attitude that counseling should be a nurse's responsibility, and personal health behavior (knew own level), regardless of age or occupational or degree status. Despite their enthusiasm for heart disease prevention through diet modification, many nurses had substantial knowledge gaps, suggesting that nurses are currently not adequately prepared to counsel about diet and/or drug treatment for high blood cholesterol. Educational strategies and considerations in integrating an expanded role for nurses with those of physicians and dietitians are discussed.