Awareness of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death was independently associated with increased physical activity (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.00-1.83) and weight loss in the previous year.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,008)
Is awareness of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death associated with preventive actions among women?
Awareness of CVD as the leading cause of death among women has increased to 55% and is associated with positive preventive actions, though significant racial and ethnic disparities remain.
Odds Ratio: 1.35 (95% CI 1–1.83)
BACKGROUND: There is growing awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death in women, but whether this greater awareness is associated with increased action by women to lower their personal or family's risk is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: A nationally representative sample of 1008 women selected through random-digit dialing were given a standardized questionnaire about history of CVD/risk factors, awareness of leading cause of death, knowledge of healthy and personal levels of CVD risk factors, self-reported actions taken to reduce risk, and barriers to heart health. The rate of awareness of CVD as the leading cause of death has nearly doubled since 1997 (55% versus 30%) was significantly greater for whites compared with blacks and Hispanics (62% versus 38% and 34%, respectively) and was independently correlated with increased physical activity (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.83) and weight loss (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.02) in the previous year in logistic regression models. Fewer than half of the respondents were aware of healthy levels of risk factors. Awareness that personal level was not healthy was positively associated with action. Most women took steps to lower risk in family members and themselves. The most frequently cited barriers for heart health were confusion in the media (49%), the belief that health is determined by a higher power (44%), and caretaking responsibilities (36%). CONCLUSIONS: General awareness of CVD risk among women is associated with preventive action. Educational interventions need to be targeted at racial/ethnic minority women.
Mosca et al. (Tue,) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular disease (n=1,008). Awareness of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death vs. Lack of awareness was evaluated on Increased physical activity in the previous year (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.83). Awareness of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death was independently associated with increased physical activity (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.00-1.83) and weight loss in the previous year.
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