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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ellen Daley, PhD¹, Kay Perrin, PhD¹, Stephanie Albright, MPH¹, Cheryl Vamos, MPH¹, Emily Jolles, MPH¹, Marsha Levine, MPH¹, Laurie Woodard, MD², Allison Edmonds, MS, ARNP², Frances Sahebzamani, PhD, ARNP², and Jane Fanning, PhD, ARNP². (1) Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, (813) 974-8518, edaley@hsc.usf.edu, (2) Family Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, MDC 33, Tampa, FL 33612

Background: Uninsured women who have difficulty accessing health care may be at greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Women's Health Collaborative, a joint training program for public health and medical students was developed to address these issues among underserved/uninsured women.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine the risk of CVD among underserved/uninsured women. Factors such as access to care, nutrition/exercise habits, smoking, and BMI were assessed.

Method: As part of a physical and psychosocial exam, public health students administered a HP2010-based survey that covered topics such as weight perception, nutrition/exercise habits and smoking; BMI also was calculated.

Results:

One hundred sixty-three women ages 20–75 completed the survey. One hundred forty had a calculated BMI; 105 (75%) were classified as “overweight” (>25) or “obese” (>30). Of this group 36 (34%) incorrectly underestimated their weight status compared to BMI standards, and 22 (21%) overestimated their weight status. Twenty-two (21%) smoked cigarettes in the past month, 75 (71%) report poor nutrition, and 70 (67%) did not engage in adequate exercise. Overall, 105 (64%) of the total group had two or more risk factors for CVD.

Conclusion: Among this population, a disproportionate number of women have at least one if not several risk factors for CVD and may be at a greater disadvantage because of lack of resources and education needed to avoid the major risk factors. Health care practitioners need to be vigilant to the prevention and educational needs of these women.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Identify individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease among this vulnerable population of women.
• Describe the multiple risk factors among this group of women that may increase their risk of disease.
• Articulate what cultural, economic and social barriers might exist for these women that would increase risk of disease.

Keywords: Heart Disease, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered