Improving Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge among Rural Participants: The Results of a Cluster Randomized Trial

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death and disability, especially among people living in the rural, southern United States. Rural African Americans are often diagnosed with CVD earlier in life, and they bear a disproportionate burden of CVD risk factors, morbidity, and mortality. Health equity among historically underserved, rural populations can potentially be attained through culturally relevant interventions that teach people skills to stay well and avoid CVD-related risk and diagnoses. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine the effect of an evidence-based intervention on cardiovascular health knowledge and the stages of change toward the action and maintenance phases. The pre-test-post-test data were obtained during a cluster randomized trial involving twelve rural churches that were randomized to intervention (n = 6) and control (n = 6) groups. Participants (n = 115) in the intervention group received a cardiovascular health intervention, and those (n = 114) in the control group could receive the intervention following the study’s completion. The data were analyzed using a linear mixed model to compare group differences from pre-test to post-test. The cardiovascular health promotion intervention significantly improved cardiovascular health knowledge and was associated with advancements in the stages of change toward the action and maintenance phases.

Prevalence and risk factors for dyslipidemia among adults in rural and urban China: findings from the China National Stroke Screening and prevention project (CNSSPP)

“…However, limited data are available on the nationwide distribution of dyslipidemia prevalence based on rural vs. urban living. It is possible that those who live in rural areas may have a less healthy lifestyle and therefore could have higher prevalence [16]. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and risk factors among adults aged ≥40 living in rural and urban China.…”

Stress, Social Support, and Resilience in Younger Rural Women: A Structural Equation Model

“…Community-based efforts that address environmental stressors could be implemented to circumvent some of the challenges associated with limited resources and opportunities found in rural areas, especially among low-income rural women [ 63 ]. Interventions that promote healthy lifestyles have a positive influence on physical health, promote factors associated with cardiovascular health among rural southeastern dwellers [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 ], and can mediate the relationship between socio-economic status and health [ 68 , 69 ]. However, the addition of strategies that foster individual, social, and environmental resources can facilitate resilience at the population level and buffer people from the negative health effects of stress [ 30 ].…”

Management of primary hypertension in rural populations

“…Individuals living in rural areas generally have less awareness and understanding of cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for health promotion among these populations. 35 When planning health promotion activities, NPs should prioritize community learning needs and develop education programs that align with those needs, taking into account the community's resources. 32 An important aspect of preventing primary hypertension includes promoting a healthy lifestyle.…”

“…An important aspect of preventing primary hypertension includes promoting a healthy lifestyle 25. Health education programs tailored specifically to the lifestyles of rural populations have the potential to improve cardiovascular health outcomes and health equity 35. Short-time interval NP follow-up with close monitoring and continued opportunities for education may help solidify the importance of lifestyle modifications 36…”