Perceptions and predictions of cardiovascular disease of Alabama women in a rural county

PurposeThe aim of this project was to gain a better understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a women's health issue among Alabama women in a rural county.Research Questions1.What are the risks and perceptions of CVD of Alabama women in a rural county?2.What demographic and study variables predict CVD?MethodsOne hundred twelve women participated in this descriptive, prospective study.FindingsThirty percent identified CVD as the greatest health problem facing women and the leading cause of death in women. Ninety percent believed that they had a 41% or greater chance of developing CVD. The variables in the study explained 60% of the participant's coronary heart disease risk prediction scores.ConclusionsThe understanding gained in this study will be used to find ways to increase the awareness of CVD and to design interventions that improve the cardiovascular health of women in a rural area of Alabama.