Awareness Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Research Articles

Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Its Primary Prevention Practices Among the Saudi Public - A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

In response to the aging population and rapid rise of chronic diseases, it is important to understand the knowledge about primary prevention. We aim to explore Saudi adults' knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and its primary prevention practices among the Saudi public. This is a cross-sectional community-based study, conducted among people living in Saudi Arabia to assess the knowledge of CVD risk factors using a total of 24-item questionnaires divided into two sections using the Likert scale, true /False/I do not know. The data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS v. 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). In this study, the 81.8% of participants (n=296) agreed that high blood pressure was a risk factor for CVD, while more than two-thirds (68.8%; n=249) believed that diabetes was a risk factor for CVD. Furthermore, about the same proportion of respondents ((79.8%; n=289) and (78.7%; n=285)) agreed that physical inactivity and smoking were risk factors for CVD. In addition, the vast majority of them (n=324; 89.5%) believed that regular exercise aids in the prevention of CVD. In contrast, 74.9% (n=271) of individuals agreed that quitting smoking helps prevent CVD. This study indicated that 55.8% (n=202) of respondents had strong knowledge of CVD, while 44.2% (n=160) had inadequate awareness of CVD risk factors and prevention methods. In terms of the association between socio-demographic factors and overall participants' knowledge of CVD risk factors and preventative measures, we discovered that age (p=0.000), gender (p=0.011), educational status (p=0.000), and the presence of chronic disease (p=0.000) were all significantly associated with CVD knowledge score levels. Saudi adults have adequate knowledge of CVD risk factors and prevention interventions, but more effort is needed to raise continuous awareness to reduce the prevalence of CVD.

"There could be something going wrong and I wouldn't even know": a qualitative study of perceptions of people with cancer about cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and its management.

Despite being at higher risk, many people with cancer do not receive adequate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment or management. The purpose of this research was to examine people with cancer's perceptions, experiences and needs regarding CVD risk factor awareness, assessment and management. We conducted 15 individual interviews to examine people with cancer's perspectives regarding CVD care in cancer. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to collect and organise data into themes and to synthesise findings. Fifteen people (6 males) diagnosed with diverse cancer types participated. Majority participants were not or only somewhat aware of CVD risk in cancer, but all expressed it was an important issue. A diverse range of priorities and needs for CVD care was discussed, including some participants' prioritisation of dealing with cancer and preferred amount, type and manner of information provision and support. Websites and brochures were identified as potential solutions for optimising CVD care. Codesign methodology should be used to engage patients in the development of flexible, tailored resources to increase awareness of CVD risk and strategies for its management. Perceptions of people with cancer regarding CVD care can inform new interventions that reduce the impact of CVD in cancer.

0881 The Clinical and Policy Impact of Increasing Awareness about Sleep and CVD Health through Public health Programs for Women

Abstract Introduction Sleep is important for cardiometabolic health (CVH) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, especially for women. Relative to men, women have less awareness of CVD risk factors. Particularly, minority women have disproportionately higher prevalence of short sleep and CVD risk awareness. The primary objective of this review is to investigate the clinical, public health, and policy implications of three major public health programs: the Go Red for Women campaign, the Heart Centers for Women initiative, and the HEART for Women Act, on increasing CVD and sleep health awareness among women in the United States. The secondary objective is to create public health action plan to increase awareness of sleep health and CVD risk. The third objective is to describe barriers and facilitators of implementing the public health action plan for minority women. Methods To assess the impact of these interventions, a systematic review was conducted. Studies that directly examined the impact of the 3 CVD awareness programs on the prevalence of CVD in the U.S. Next, studies that evaluated the level of awareness of CVD risk factors and sleep were identified. The current literature was synthesized and described qualitatively to elucidate individual, provider, community and policy knowledge gaps in CVD and sleep health programs for women. Results Prevalence of CVD deaths among women decreased from 459,000/ year in 2004 to 339,500/year in 2015. Majority of these interventions include diet, exercise, and smoking cessation and exclude sleep and. Of the three programs, the Go Red for Women campaign proved to have the greatest public health and policy impact. From the results of systematic review, we created a public health action plan to increase awareness of sleep health and CVD risk. Third, we found patient, provider, and policy barriers and facilitators of implementing the public health action plan for minority women. Conclusion Public health action plans that focus on sleep health should be culturally sensitive to all women and accessible to those that live in both rural and urban areas addressing the importance of sufficient sleep and its benefits to CVH. Support (if any) K01HL135452, K07AG052685, R01AG072644, R01HL152453, R01MD007716, R01HL142066, R01AG067523, R01AG056031, and R01AG075007

Public awareness of cardiovascular disease prevention in Korea

Background: The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is significant in Korea. Ultimately, public knowledge and awareness of CVD risk factors and prevention are essential to reduce its burden. Hence, this study aimed to examine the level of public awareness of CVD risk factors and prevention in Korea in 2022. Methods: We used data from the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Awareness Survey conducted by the Korean Society of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in June 2022. Using a structured web-based questionnaire, 2,000 individuals aged 20 years or more were surveyed on computers or mobile devices. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, the presence of cardiometabolic disease, CVD concerns and self-assessed likelihood, and awareness of CVD prevention were analyzed. Results: Cancer (44.3%) was the most feared disease, followed by CVD (19.5%). Nevertheless, most respondents stated that they were likely to develop CVD in their lifetime (67.4%). Only 9.2% of respondents were aware of the details of recommendations to prevent CVD, and this level of knowledge was also low among respondents with cardiometabolic diseases (10.7%). Not smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, and reducing alcohol consumption were deemed easy to implement. On the contrary, reducing stress, being physically active, and eating a healthy diet were considered the most difficult recommendations to practice.Conclusions: Public awareness of CVD risk factors and prevention appeared to be insufficient in Korea. Our research suggests that simple but practical recommendations should be conveyed and promoted to raise public awareness, which is currently inadequate.

Awareness and readiness to combat risk factors for cardiovascular disease: results of a survey of patients and doctors using open questions

Relevance. Assessment of the cardiovascular risk factors (RF) knowledge is important for the development of disease preventive programs. It is shown that awareness of the RF does not guarantee readiness for their correction, and there is a potential gap between intention and behavior. Ample evidence suggests that a physician’s commitment to a healthier lifestyle and RF control increases patient confi in his recommendations. Assessment of the subjective attitude to RF for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the readiness for their correction not only in patients, but also in doctors is an important task both for the health of the doctors themselves and indirectly for their future and current patients.Objective. To assess the subjective attitude to RF for the development of CVD and the readiness for their correction in doctors and patients of one medical organization.Design and methods. The study included 58 doctors and 55 patients who were consecutively hospitalized in different departments of the Medical Research and Education Center of Moscow State University named after M. V. Lomonosov. Doctors and patients of the cardiology department were not included in the study. All questions about CVD RF were open. The number of answers was not limited.Results. The analysis included 58 questionnaires of doctors and 52 questionnaires of patients. The median age of physicians was 37 [31; 48] years, among them 40 % were men. The median age of patients was 61 [49; 71] years, men — 42 %. Physicians expectedly showed higher awareness of various RF for CVD. They called an average of 4,9 ± 2,0 RF, and patients — 3,9 ± 1,6, but the difference was not significant. Physicians were more aware of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, malnutrition, physical inactivity, sleep disturbances, and stress as CVD RF (all p < 0,001), with more frequent patients, than physicians indicated smoking (67,3 % and 27,6 %, respectively, p < 0,001). Female physicians were statistically significantly less likely to report obesity (4,3 % and 25,7 %, respectively, p = 0,013). At the same time, they indicated hypertension more often than men (13,0 % and 2,6 %, respectively, p = 0,018). Physicians named one RF that threatened their own health more (p < 0,001). At the same time, physicians were willing to try to change less than half of these factors, while inpatients were determined to change two-thirds of the factors (45,9 % and 66,1 %, p = 0,012). Conclusions. The level of physicians’ awareness of CVD RF and readiness for change remains relatively low. To combat the growing burden of CVD in Russia, it is necessary to maximize the potential of not only cardiologists, but also doctors of other specialties, as channels of reliable information about health, develop and implement measures to increase awareness of the circumstances that contribute to the development of CVD, as well as tools for self-management of risks, not only among patients, but also among medical workers.

Knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Sierra Leone: a qualitative study of patients’ and community leaders’ perceptions

ObjectivesPrevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there are no previous studies on the knowledge and the awareness of these conditions...

Awareness of cardiovascular disease associated risk factors among Saudis in Riyadh City.

Objective:The aim of this study was to estimate the awareness of Saudi population in Riyadh regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study that used self-administered questionnaires conducted in universities, primary care centers, and electronic copies distributed in social media websites.Results:Overall, 47.1% of the respondents had a good awareness of CVD and associated risk factors. However, awareness of the symptoms of stroke and heart attack was low. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis were the most commonly identified types of CVD, with 39.2% aware of these conditions. The most well-known symptom of heart attack was shortness of breath (known by 54.4% of the respondents). In relation to stroke, the most commonly recognized symptom was “sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance” (45.4%). Respondents’ awareness of CVD risk factors was moderate. The most common factors—identified by over two-thirds of participants—were unhealthy diet, smoking, dyslipidemia, and physical inactivity. Independent predictors of good CVD awareness were age 35–44 years, living in the north of Riyadh and following a healthy diet.Conclusions:The awareness of CVD and associated risk factors is insufficient among Saudis in Riyadh City. This study emphasizes the necessity for effective education to increase the awareness about CVD in Saudi Arabia. High awareness may lead to early recognition of the risk factors and lead to early implementation of primary prevention which the cornerstone of family medicine practice.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Shaqra, Saudi Arabia

Background: According to the report of World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accounted for most noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths (17.5 million NCD deaths) during 2012 worldwide. Surveillance of CVD risk factors is a key strategy for effective CVD prevention. Aim: To identify the extent of CVD risk factors of developing cardiovascular disease events among Shaqra population of Saudi Arabia. Method: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 369 participants including 267 (72.3%) males and 102 (27.6%) females aged 18-45 years from Shaqra City of Saudi Arabia. Blood Pressure, BMI, blood glucose, smoking status and family history of CVD risk factors were estimated. Results: Prevalence of hypertension was 10.3% and diabetes 1.6%. Tobacco consumption was 24.8%. Obesity was 23.30%. Family history of HTN and DM was 50.09%. Conclusion: High prevalence of hypertension, obesity and tobacco consumption was seen in Shaqra population which will predispose to CVD risk. Campaigns to raise the awareness of CVD risk factors will boost the quality of life of the peoples and will add years to live.

Awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among university students in Turkey.

To determine the awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among university students in Turkey. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. The use of tobacco products and unhealthy diet are prominent habits that increase the risk of CVD. Healthy university students (n = 2450) aged between 18 and 22 years in Istanbul filled out the questionnaire about the awareness of CVD risk factors and participated in this cross-sectional study. They were asked several questions with regard to the importance of CVD risk factors. The leading responses for men and women were, respectively, high cholesterol (58.3; 72.3%), stress (58.8; 71.8%), hypertension (50; 64.2%), smoking (53.1; 58.7%), obesity (46.8; 64.3%), diabetes (41.7; 52.7%), inactivity (43.3; 47.8%), and CVD in family history (31.8; 44.4%). Unhealthy diet (9.7; 15.3%), exposure to second-hand cigarette smoking (24.4; 34%), and poor socioeconomic status (22.6; 22.3%) were also considered to be important. The study also revealed that men disregard the risk factors more frequently. Another comparison between body mass index groups revealed that obese subjects gave significantly lower importance to cardiovascular risk factors. Observations indicate that awareness levels of CVD risk factors have to be improved among university students. It is emphasized that primary healthcare workers are very important in the screening of CVD risk factors in an opportunistic and systematic way and in providing consultancy on changing risky behaviors (diet, smoking, etc.). Therefore, it is of utmost importance that primary healthcare workers make interventions to reduce the risk level by determining the CVD risk.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Awareness and Its Association With Preventive Health Behaviors: Evidence From a Sample of Canadian Workplaces.

The aim of this study was to determine Canadian workers' level of awareness about their cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and the association between CVD risk awareness and health behaviors. We used cross-sectional data to compare awareness of CVD risk factors with biometric measures from a workplace screening clinic (n = 320). We assessed the association between risk factor awareness and self-reported health behaviors using logistic regression analyses. Overall, 39.5% of workers did not know at least one of their CVD risk factors. These individuals were less likely to meet recommended physical activity levels and to consume three daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and more likely to report weekly fast food consumption. This study highlights a lack of awareness about cholesterol levels and demonstrates a negative association between low CVD awareness and preventive health behaviors.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in older adults – Perception and reality

ObjectiveCVD are the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Since there are no published data about the knowledge of CVD risk factors among Croatian older adults, this was the primary aim of this study. Another aim was to determine relationship between actual CVD risk (total cholesterol – TC and triglyceride levels – TG, blood pressure – BP, body mass index – BMI, smoking) and self-assessed CVD risk among older adults. MethodsWe used a cross-sectional epidemiological study in which participants (969 subjects aged >70 years) answered a written questionnaire. Participants’ BMI, BP, TC and triglycerides were measured. ResultsThe actual presence of CVD risk factors in participants did not appear to alter their perceptions of risk compared to participants without CVD risk factors (the percentage of participants who think that they have moderate/high CVD risk is almost the same: 75.5% among participants with actual CVD risk factors; 75.7% among those without CVD risk factors). Accordingly, 24.5% of participants with actual CVD risk factors failed to recognize that risk.Only 23.4% of participants correctly recognized BP target values, while 49.8% participants successfully recognized TC target levels. The knowledge of target BP and/or TC levels did not influence participants’ ability to assess their own CVD risk.Surprisingly, 41.8% of participants reported that they have not discussed CVD risk factors with their physicians. ConclusionThe results suggest insufficient awareness of CVD risk factors among Croatian older adults and a need for improved promotion of CVD prevention in this population segment.

HAS GOOGLE REPLACED TRADITIONAL SOURCES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND RISK FACTOR INFORMATION?

Health care providers, print media and public health campaigns have traditionally been the main source for public knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factor awareness. However, widespread availability of online medical information may have altered these traditional information-seeking patterns. The purpose of this study is to assess the health information seeking behaviour in a suburban population. We are also interested to evaluate the relationship between different sources of information with age, gender and ethnicity. A total of 4682 individuals presenting to an urgent care clinic in Mississauga, Ontario were surveyed to identify one or more of the six sources of CVD related information (health care providers, print media, community agencies, television/radio, internet and family/friends) that increased their awareness of CVD risk factors and CVD prevention. Data of 3189 (68%) were available for the analysis. Print media, television/radio, internet, family/friends, health care providers and community agencies were identified as the source of CVD and risk factor awareness by 55%, 54%, 45%, 38%, 20% and 6% of the respondents, respectively. After adjustment for education and median annual household income, age <55 years was associated with highest use of internet as a source of CVD related information. Age groups between 25-34 and 35-44 were least likely to obtain CVD related information from a health provider, print media, and community agencies compared to individuals ≥55 years (Table). There was no association between source of CVD related information and gender or ethnicity. Although print media and television/radio remain significant resources for CVD related information, younger individuals rely heavily on the internet as a source of CVD knowledge and risk factor awareness. These findings have important implications for public health policy and resource allocation for health promotion strategies.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in youth with diabetes mellitus: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.

The rates of both type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are increasing in youth.1 In the past 10 years, guidelines for the identification and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in youth with diabetes mellitus have been published by multiple professional organizations, including the American Diabetes Association (ADA),2,3 the American Heart Association (AHA),4,5 the American Academy of Pediatrics,6 the International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD),7 and the Pediatric Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Initiative.8 This scientific statement summarizes and interprets these guidelines and new developments in the field in the past decade and outlines future research and clinical needs to improve cardiovascular health and risk factor management in youth with diabetes mellitus. Additional goals for this statement are to increase awareness of CVD risk factors and their identification, prevention, and treatment and to improve cardiovascular health in youth with diabetes mellitus by encouraging advancement in research and clinical care, including understanding and implementing current CVD guidelines. Improving cardiovascular health in youth with diabetes mellitus has important public health implications; therefore, this statement aims to reach healthcare providers in diabetes mellitus, cardiology, and related fields. (Note: The sections within this scientific statement are organized by diabetes mellitus type, when possible, with brief summary statements concluding each section. Multiple definitions for CVD are used in the cited articles. Readers of this statement should include risk factors, surrogate markers, and end-organ damage under this umbrella term of CVD.) ### Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Multiple studies document an increase of 2% to 5% annually in the incidence of T1DM worldwide.9 The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth (SEARCH) study estimated that there were 166 018 to 179 388 youth with T1DM in the United States in 2010.1 Worldwide, rates of T1DM differ …

Public Knowledge and Awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Expected Role of Community Pharmacists in the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Diseases in Penang, Malaysia

This study was carried out to estimate the current knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and its risk factors among the general public in Penang, Malaysia and to explore public perception of the role of commu- nity pharmacists in the prevention and management of CVDs. Four hundred and fifty-six members of the public were given a self-administered, structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was in three languages (English, Malay and Chinese). Those who were illiterate or with prior experience/knowledge in the medical field were excluded from the study. The knowledge and the awareness scores were computed as continuous variables, and then categorized into three levels (poor, moderate and high). The analysis of the results revealed that 46%, 43% and 9% of the respondents had poor, moderate and good knowledge of CVDs and its warning symptoms, respectively. Public awareness of CVD risk factors was better than their knowledge of CVDs and its warning symptoms; in which 37%, 35% and 28% had poor, moderate and good awareness, respectively. Males were more knowledgeable than females. Education level also associated, positively, with knowledge. The majority of respondents gave favorable responses on the role of community pharmacists in identifying and preventing CVD risk factors in the community. This study provides insights into the limited knowl- edge and awareness of CVDs and its risk factors among the public in Penang, Malaysia and it shows the extended clinical role of community pharmacists in public health and preventing non-communicable diseases. Extensive awareness programs targeting those with limited knowledge are required.

Immigration Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Awareness

The association between immigration status and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor awareness is unknown. Using physical examination-based data and participants' self-report of prior diagnosis, we assessed immigration-based disparities in awareness of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and overweight among 12,124 participants in the 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Unawareness of CVD risk factors is high among all groups, but tends to be higher among foreign-born English and non-English speaking participants than among US-born participants. After adjusting for demographic factors and access to health care, foreign-born participants appear more likely to be unaware of their hypertension and overweight than US-born participants. Immigrants are more likely than those born in the US to be unaware of their CVD risk factors, and therefore may be less motivated to seek treatment and modify their behavior to prevent negative CVD outcomes.

Public perceptions of cardiovascular risk factors in Croatia: The PERCRO survey

Objective Since there are almost no data about the perceptions and attitudes of the general public concerning risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) this survey was performed. Method Face-to-face interviews were conducted based upon a questionnaire with 883 members of the general population from different parts of Croatia in October–November 2008. Results 36.1% of them correctly identified CVD as the leading cause of death but the most feared disease was cancer (40.0%). CVD was on the second place with only 21.6%. 30.9% was aware that elevated LDL-cholesterol increases CVD risk but 49.0% knew that high HDL-cholesterol is beneficial. 43.3% knew their total cholesterol (TC) value and 74.4% knew their blood pressure (BP). 30.9% knew what their target TC should be and 33.9% knew what their target BP should be. The knowledge about TC and BP target values was positively associated with higher educational level. 53.2% of the general public reported that they have never discussed any CVD risk factor with their physician. Conclusion These data suggest insufficient awareness of CVD risk factors in general population and a need for improved promotion of CVD prevention. To achieve this people and physicians should be motivated by the health authorities and/or insurance companies.

Is migration to Sweden associated with increased prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

[corrected] The proportion of elderly immigrants in Sweden is increasing. This is an important issue considering that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health problem and that CVD is one of the main causes of morbidity among the elderly. The aim of this study is to analyze whether there is an association between migration status, that is being an elderly Iranian immigrant in Sweden, as compared with being an elderly Iranian in Iran, and the prevalence of risk factors for CVD. Population-based cross-sectional study with face-to-face interviews. A total of 176 Iranians in Stockholm and 300 Iranians in Tehran, aged 60-84 years. The prevalence of general obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes was determined. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes. The age-adjusted risk of hypertension and smoking was higher in Iranian women and men in Sweden. OR for hypertension was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.2) for women and 3.1 (95% CI: 1.5-6.3) for men and OR for smoking was 6.9 (95% CI: 2.2-21.6) for women and 4.7 (95% CI: 2.0-11.0) for men. The higher risk for hypertension and smoking remained significant after accounting for age, socioeconomic status, and marital status. Abdominal obesity was found in nearly 80% of the women in both groups. The findings show a strong association between migration status and the prevalence of hypertension and smoking. Major recommendation for public health is increased awareness of CVD risk factors among elderly immigrants.

Cardiovascular disease risk factor awareness in American Indian communities: the strong heart study.

To use data from the longitudinal Strong Heart Study (SHS) to determine the level of awareness about risk factors for heart disease among 13 populations of American Indians in Arizona, Oklahoma, and South/ North Dakota. The aim of this study is to assess awareness of nine major risk factors for heart disease among participants in SHS. During July 1993 to December 1995 (phase II of SHS), 3638 participants ages 46 to 80 years (mean age 60) were asked if nine known risk factors for cardiovascular disease affect a person's chances of getting heart disease; 3226 (89%) participants completed the study and met the method reliability criteria for inclusion. Among each of the nine risk factors, the percentage of correct answers provided by study participants ranged from 70% (family history of heart disease) to 90% (being very overweight). Participants with hypertension (90% vs 86%, P<.05) and diabetes mellitus (81% vs 71%, P<.05) were more likely than those without these disorders to know they were heart disease risk factors. For all nine risk factors, the percentage of correct answers was lower (P<.05) among smokers than among nonsmokers. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, female sex, advanced education, and being from Oklahoma were significantly associated with heart disease awareness. Although overall risk factor awareness for heart disease was high, subgroups were identified who could benefit from culturally appropriate health education and other interventions to motivate health prevention actions, especially for smoking.

Assessment of cardiovascular risk factor awareness and accentuation of early detection among African-American college students

Mississippi dubiously ranks first in the nation in the number of deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Mississippi also ranks first in prevalence rates of obesity (24.3%) and diabetes (8.8%), which are clearly associated risks for the development of CVD. While overall CVD mortality rates have been declining, Mississippi African-American rates of death have not been improving at the same rate. The most disturbing data are those for younger African-Americans, who have a three to four times greater risk of CVD death than their white counterparts. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of CVD risk factors in students attending a historically African-American university, and to emphasize the need for early risk factor detection. Participants were assessed for CVD risk factors including blood pressure, height, and weight. An awareness questionnaire based on the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was also utilized to assess self-reported physical activity, dietary behaviors, and tobacco consumption. Students were given risk factor results and received individual education from health care professionals during the screening. The total number of students who completed the screening and questionnaire was 138 (with ages ranging from 17-29 and average age of 20.4 years). Of these, the average BMI was 26.34, and 21% of students had a BMI of > 30. A total of 79 students (56%) were considered overweight or obese (BMI>25). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 122.5 mm Hg and 73.4 mm Hg, respectively. On the self-reported questionnaire, 11 students (8%) reported smoking cigarettes some or every day and 21 students (15%) stated they did not participate in any physical activity. Only 23 students (17%) reported eating fruits on a daily basis, while 88 students (64%) reported visiting a health care provider in the past year for a checkup. As for awareness of risk factors, 21 (14%) students reported knowing blood pressure goals, while only 1 (0%) student reported knowing BMI goals. Data from this study support the need for increased awareness of CVD risk factors in the African-American college students attending this university. The data also suggest that more emphasis should be placed on early detection of all CVD risk factors to reduce alarming disparities among younger African-Americans.

Effect of the Heart At Work Program on Awareness of Risk Factors, Self-Efficacy, and Health Behaviors

This study evaluates the effects of the American Heart Association's Heart At Work program on cardiovascular disease risk factor awareness, self-efficacy, and health behaviors. A prospective, quasi-experimental research design was used to assess the impact of the program at two factory sites (one intervention and one control). A total of 633 employees participated. Intervention site respondents significantly improved their knowledge of blood pressure management, the relationship between nutrition and cardiovascular disease, and heart attack risk factors. They also were more likely to begin treatment for hypertension, to report fewer sick days, and to have plans to improve their diet and lose weight. These findings suggest that the Heart At Work program had a favorable overall impact.