Predictors of poor coronary heart disease knowledge level in women without prior coronary heart disease.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to measure coronary heart disease (CHD) knowledge levels in women without a history of CHD and to determine predictors of poor CHD knowledge in these women.


METHODS
The sample included 120 women between the ages of 35 and 60, who had no CHD history. Women were asked to complete self-administered surveys including demographic data, personal CHD risk factors, and a CHD Knowledge Test.


CONCLUSIONS
Women lack CHD knowledge. Low educational level, normal serum lipids, high body mass index (BMI), and lack of access to a nurse practitioner (NP) were predictors of poor CHD knowledge levels in women without CHD history.


CONCLUSIONS
Women who had access to an NP were more likely to have higher CHD knowledge. In an attempt to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with CHD, NPs may be able to improve CHD knowledge in women, particularly in those with lower educational level, normal serum lipids and higher BMI.
Thanavaro
Joanne L
JL
Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing and Allied Health at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. jlt4355@bjc.org
Moore
Shirley M
SM
Anthony
Mary K
MK
Narsavage
Georgia
G
Delicath
Timothy
T
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors
D008055:Lipids