Family-oriented prevention of cardiovascular disease: a social epidemiological approach.
A social epidemiological approach has been used to study social factors associated with chronic disease, as well as to promote community-oriented intervention programs to modify risk for cardiovascular disease. The present review suggests using a social epidemiological approach in a third way; to promote efforts directed toward family-oriented primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Evidence is presented which shows an association between three family social factors (marital status, family socioeconomic status, family size) and risk for cardiovascular disease. The real determinants of risk, however, may be the underlying health-related behaviors indicated by each of these factors. Evidence is also presented which shows the importance of a fourth family social factor (family age) in promoting effective health education efforts to modify risk. Thus, a social epidemiological approach is more valuable than a single discipline-based approach in identifying, understanding, and modifying family social influences on cardiovascular risk.
Venters
M H
MH
Department of Family Practice and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D005190:Family; D005192:Family Health; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D012307:Risk Factors