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

Abstract #66388

Mary J. Boylan, MD¹, Irina V. Haller, PhD, MS², Colleen M. Renier, BS³, Julie S. Knuths, MSN, RN⁴, and Jeanette A. Palcher, BA³. (1) Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, St.Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, 400 East Third Street, Duluth, MN 55805, (2) Division of Education & Research, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System , 5AV2ME, 400 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805, 218 786 8185, ihaller@smdc.org, (3) Division of Education & Research, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, 5AV2ME, 400 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805, (4) Community Health, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, 400 East 3rd Street, Maildrop SM1E, Duluth, MN 55805

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of educational interventions on readiness-to-change in a 2-year community-based project for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. METHODS: Educational interventions were implemented in two 12-month phases. Phase 1: both intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups had baseline and 12-month health screenings, and a mid-phase interview. IG women participated in health classes reviewing CVD risk factors and strategies for risk modification. Phase 2: general educational sessions (GES) were refined and focused activities (FA) were created. All women could participate in three GES and one FA. In both phases the areas of change (diet modification (DT), stress reduction (ST), increased exercise (EX), and smoking cessation (SM)) were identified at baseline health screenings. RESULTS: Women 20-50 years of age with no prior history of CVD participated in this project. Phase 1 (N=379). Women advised of specific areas of change at baseline were more likely to set goals in those areas (DT, ST, and SM, p<0.05). Those who attended classes were more likely to set goals for DT, ST and EX (p<0.01). Phase 2 (N=243). Attendance at a specific GES had an effect on setting goals for DT (p<0.05), ST and EX (p<0.01). Participation in a specific FA affected setting goals for DT, ST, and SM (p<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that those who attended GES were more likely to set goals for DT, ST and EX (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This community-based primary CVD prevention project identified educational interventions effective in helping women to set goals for risk modification.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Evaluate community-based educational interventions for primary prevention of CVD in women.
• Assess what types of programs are effective in helping women to set goals for CVD risk modification.

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.