The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57120

Lenee N. Simon, MPH, Robinson Fulwood, PhD, MSPH, and Gregory J. Morosco, PhD, MPH. Office of Prevention, Education, and Control, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2480, Room 4A-10, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 496-1051, simonl@nhlbi.nih.gov

African Americans suffer disproportionately from cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. In 1999, African Americans were 30 percent more likely to die of heart disease than whites. In addition, research has shown that African Americans residing in public housing census tracts have higher rates of CVD mortality than African Americans in the general public. To better understand the health behavior, lifestyle, and social determinants that can impact cardiovascular health outcomes of African American public housing residents, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) conducted an assessment of public housing residents. In collaboration with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the NHBLI conducted a heart-health needs assessment using small group discussions of public housing residents in July and August 2002 to understand the health knowledge and perceptions, barriers, and motivators related to adoption of heart-healthy lifestyles. NHLBI worked with public housing staff and resident leaders to develop an age/gender appropriate assessment tool and residents were recruited from each of the four public housing quadrants of Baltimore City, Maryland. Data from 12 discussion groups yielded several themes. Participants varied in their current CVH knowledge and practices. Factors influencing these differences included younger age (15-18 years), stress, limited access to health services, limited income, familial responsibilities, and distrust/disbelief of some health recommendations. To effectively reach housing development residents, CVH promotion messages must be segmented by age and stage of life, implemented within the contextual experiences of public housing residents, and tailored to their specific needs.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a process for engaging and involving a public housing community in consumer assessment. Impart new knowledge on factors impacting CVH promotion in a public housing setting.

Keywords: Public Housing, Health Assessment

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.