Health beliefs & attitudes on screening and intent to share family health history based on level of familial risk for heart disease and stroke among physically active seniors

PURPOSE To determine the relationship between health beliefs and attitudes toward screening and intent to share family history as to level of inherited risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke among physically active seniors as assessed through a self-reported family history.

METHODS Since 1987, the Huntsman World Senior Games had hosted 22 athletic events over a two-week period for men and women 50 and older to promote physical fitness as a way of life. Using convenience sampling, a survey was distributed at a free health screening among sports participants, spouses of participants, or staff at the 2008 Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. The 68-item survey was divided into four sections: demographic profile; lifestyle; family history; and health beliefs and attitudes based on the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behavior.

RESULTS Using Scheuner's guidelines for risk stratification, of the 587 respondents, 64.1% were of average risk; 14.1% moderate risk; and 21.8% of high risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Intent to share family history was not statistically significant across risk categories. Actual inherited risk for heart disease and stroke was positively associated with health beliefs and attitudes for screening. This was highly significant among those of high risk as to perceived susceptibility (p<0.0001); subjective norms (p=0.0031); and intent to get screened (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION Family history risk assessment is positively correlated with health beliefs and attitudes on screening among physically active seniors and should be part of prevention efforts against heart disease and stroke.