Women's Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Behaviors Related to Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women although few women perceive themselves at risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the current knowledge levels, health beliefs, personal risk factors, and health-promoting behaviors related to heart disease among university female employees, and to identify factors that contribute to increased perceived suseptibility to heart disease, which is largely a preventable disease. A stratified random sample of 1000 female employees at a large Midwestern university received a survey through campus mail. A total of 555 completed surveys were used for analysis, yielding a response rate of 55.5%. Results from data analysis revealed general knowledge of heart disease was relatively high, yet knowledge of risk factors was limited. Additionally, general knowledge and knowledge of risk factors had limited effects on perceived susceptibility. Most women were aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death but few felt personally susceptible to the condition. When examining the prevalence of risk factors, it was disconcerting that women in this study averaged more than two major risk factors for heart disease. Moreover, a majority of women were not participating in two very important health-promoting behaviors - regular physical activity, and consumption of a healthy diet. If a woman does not perceive her risk of developing heart disease as significant, lifestyle changes will not be a priority. This study supports the need for additional studies of women as a unique population and points to an obvious need to address perceived susceptibility to heart disease and the importance of addressing, understanding, and controlling modifiable risk factors in women. It is imperative that researchers determine why women do not perceive themselves susceptible to a condition that is responsible for more deaths annually than all cancers combined.