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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Linda Joyce Washington, PhD, ARNP, International Center of Research for Women, Children and Families, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, 420 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096, 215-898-0438, ljwashin@nursing.upenn.edu
Abstract
Although research has clearly documented that cardiovascular disease (CVD) have a high incidence in African and Mexican Americans, data necessary to establish different types of intervention strategies or time frames needed for application of preventive measures is lacking for young people in multicultural groups. It is postulated that earlier screening and documentation of cardiovascular risk factors would help in organizing a wider based management approach to CVD prevention among this population. The Primary Care Nursing Center in conjunction with the University Student Health Center conducted a pilot Screening/Education Awareness Program (SEAP) for college-aged students to determine significant changes in profiles of cardiovascular indices, particularly cholesterol, over an initial six-month period. Using an experimental Solomon Four-group Design involving a random sample of 51 in-coming freshmen and transfer students entering the University from fall 2000 to 2001. Several variables (age, gender, ethnicity, weight, blood pressure, family CVD history, diet, plasma cholesterol levels and exercise habits) were recorded via an interactive web-site using a protective pass-code to gain access at initial and follow up sessions. A database was initiated that provided preliminary data on lifestyle practices such as smoking, diet and exercise. Data was analyzed using multivariate statistical techniques with an acceptable alpha level of .05 Results showed significant correlation between smoking and alcohol use, p < .04 and age and several lipid indices, p< .04. These findings provide the initial data to help determine interrelationships between and among factors and to predict possible predisposition to coronary heart disease in later life.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: College Students, Heart Disease
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.