Perceptions and predictions of cardiovascular disease of Alabama women in a rural county

Hamner, Jenny B.; Wilder, Barbara

doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2008.06.004

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Volume 23, Issue 2 , Pages 80-85, May 2010

Perceptions and predictions of cardiovascular disease of Alabama women in a rural county

Miller Hall, Auburn University School of Nursing, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA

Received 26 February 2008; received in revised form 19 June 2008; accepted 27 June 2008. published online 16 January 2009.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this project was to gain a better understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a women's health issue among Alabama women in a rural county.

Research Questions

1.What are the risks and perceptions of CVD of Alabama women in a rural county?

2.What demographic and study variables predict CVD?

Methods

One hundred twelve women participated in this descriptive, prospective study.

Findings

Thirty percent identified CVD as the greatest health problem facing women and the leading cause of death in women. Ninety percent believed that they had a 41% or greater chance of developing CVD. The variables in the study explained 60% of the participant's coronary heart disease risk prediction scores.

Conclusions

The understanding gained in this study will be used to find ways to increase the awareness of CVD and to design interventions that improve the cardiovascular health of women in a rural area of Alabama.