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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Mary J. Boylan, MD, Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, St.Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, 400 East Third Street, Duluth, MN 55805, Julie S. Knuths, MSN, RN, Community Health, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, 400 East 3rd Street, Maildrop SM1E, Duluth, MN 55805, 218 786-2346, mboylan@smdc.org, Colleen M. Renier, BS, Division of Education & Research, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, 5AV2ME, 400 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805, and Irina V. Haller, PhD, MS, Division of Education & Research, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System , 5AV2ME, 400 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805.
The objective was to develop and evaluate a community-based program for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The study contained two one-year phases. Women were recruited through community contacts (churches, clinics, employers, and colleges). All activities took place outside medical facilities.
In phase-one, we identified community resources and tested the effectiveness of different intervention levels (motivational and educational) by randomizing participants, ages 20-50, into control (CG) and intervention (IG) groups. All participants had baseline screening and evaluation (with recommendations for risk factor modification), and received educational literature about CVD in women. CG women had limited follow-up compared to IG women, who participated in general CVD health classes and had motivational support. Phase-one demonstrated that comprehensive screenings were effective in addressing abnormal laboratory values. Comparison of outcomes for IG and CG showed that behavioral changes toward healthy lifestyle were more effective in higher level of interventions. We learned that program participants were at greater CVD risk than the region's general population. In phase-two, the age range was increased to 60, including women at greater CVD risk. Study design was changed to use each participant as her own historic control. The educational interventions were strengthened, individualized, and based on phase-one evaluation feedback.
Community-based risk-reduction programs for women, which include comprehensive screening, health education and support, significantly change behavior and decrease women's CVD risk. In contrast to traditional medical setting prescribed interventions, community approach allows participants to define their involvement and goals, while the program assists in achieving these goals.
Learning Objectives: After hearing this presentation the participant will be able to
Keywords: Primary Prevention, Community-Based Health Promotion
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.