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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

L. Louise Ivanov, PhD, RN¹, Ellen Jones, ND, FNP, APRN², Debra Wallace, PhD, RN³, and Lois VonCannon, MSN, APRN-BC². (1) School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402, 336-334-5105, LLivanov@uncg.edu, (2) Community Practice, The University of North Carolina @ Greensboro, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, (3) School of Nursing, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170

The purpose of this research report is to discuss the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in rural Russia. Russia experiences death rates from cardiovascular heart disease, cerebrovasular disease, and diabetes twice the rates in many other western countries in Europe and the Americas. Thus examining risk factors in a population with minimal or no access to preventive risk factor screenings could translate to more accurate diagnosis, treatment and preventive interventions. A rural area in Northern Russia was used as the setting for the study Health assessments were conducted in a clinic setting with a group of citizens. Approximately 12,000 persons live in this area and are served by one health clinic. Adults 18 years and older were recruited. Flyers were posted in the community and clinic, and staff informed clients prior to the week of implementation. A local citizen and one team member served as translators, interpreters and cultural guides. Consent was obtained prior to gathering data. The risk factors measured were obesity, dyslipidemias, hypertension, and elevated blood sugar. Parameters used were by WHO, NHLBI, and ATP III guidelines. Results showed that of the 186 participants aged 18-89 years of age, most experienced multiple risk factors. Overweight or obesity (87%), high LDL (85%), hypertension 140/90 (47%), high cholesterol (37%), high triglycerides (33%) and diabetes (12%) were the most frequent risk factors. Findings were translated into practice through providing clinic staff with diagnostic information for treatment decisions and nursing students with a focus for individualized health education for specific health risks. Additional implications for public health nursing will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify cardiovascular risk factors prevalent in a Russian population.
• Discuss the benefits of translating research findings into nursing practice.

Keywords: International Health, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation