Educational Intervention: Effects on Heart Disease Risk Factor Knowledge Among African Americans

Educational Intervention: Effects on Heart Disease Risk Factor Knowledge Among African Americans by Linda Smith MSPH, Walden University, 2009 BSN, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2015 Abstract Fatal coronary heart disease among African Americans is associated with a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Research has indicated that CVD risk factor knowledge and the prevalence of ideal CVH both persist at suboptimal levels. However, few researchers have investigated the relationship between culturally-tailored community-based heart health sessions, short-term knowledge acquisition of CVD risk factors, and the awareness of the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) CVH construct. The purpose of this cross-sectional, secondary analysis study was to examine the interplay between these variables in an urban African American sample. Guided by social cognitive theory, the study analyzed de-identified data (data sets of demographic characteristics and Heart Disease Facts Questionnaire) from participant responses collected at multiple community sites to assist in the planning of future health programs. Multiple community sites were randomized into an intervention (n = 50) or comparison group (n = 57). Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression were used to analyze data. Knowledge was higher for intervention group participants (β = .44, p = .001) and tended to be higher for those with more education (β = .20, p = .06) and those with less income (β = -.22, p = .07). Notably, most participants (73%) reported awareness of the AHA construct, CVH. The results support culturally-tailored interventions as a useful strategy for CVD risk reduction. The implication for socialFatal coronary heart disease among African Americans is associated with a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Research has indicated that CVD risk factor knowledge and the prevalence of ideal CVH both persist at suboptimal levels. However, few researchers have investigated the relationship between culturally-tailored community-based heart health sessions, short-term knowledge acquisition of CVD risk factors, and the awareness of the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) CVH construct. The purpose of this cross-sectional, secondary analysis study was to examine the interplay between these variables in an urban African American sample. Guided by social cognitive theory, the study analyzed de-identified data (data sets of demographic characteristics and Heart Disease Facts Questionnaire) from participant responses collected at multiple community sites to assist in the planning of future health programs. Multiple community sites were randomized into an intervention (n = 50) or comparison group (n = 57). Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression were used to analyze data. Knowledge was higher for intervention group participants (β = .44, p = .001) and tended to be higher for those with more education (β = .20, p = .06) and those with less income (β = -.22, p = .07). Notably, most participants (73%) reported awareness of the AHA construct, CVH. The results support culturally-tailored interventions as a useful strategy for CVD risk reduction. The implication for social change is that initiatives at the community-level may positively impact CVH in minority/ethnic communities and subsequently impact CVD disparities. Educational Intervention: Effects on Heart Disease Risk Factor Knowledge Among African Americans by Linda Smith MSPH, Walden University, 2009 BSN, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2015 Dedication This dissertation study is dedicated to my parents, the late Ervie Lee Williams and the late Louella Williams, both of whom planted the seed for me to embark upon this academic journey while providing words of encouragement and belief in my ability to achieve my educational goals. I thank you for your abundant giving of yourself, through your prayers and inspirational words that encouraged me, until you had to succumb to illness. I will always cherish the foundation you provided that propelled me to endure this journey. Also to the late Sydney Sanders, whose belief in my journey was shown by your generous financial contribution to assist me in continuing the journey. Acknowledgments I am grateful to all individuals who participated in this study. I thank the pastors, health coordinators, interventionists, and participants who contributed to the health of their community.