Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Chester Jones

Abstract

The study's purpose was to analyze whether the control (sustained healthy level) of independent cardiovascular disease risk factors could be used to significantly predict aerobic exercise status. The health belief and ecological model helped describe health awareness, autonomy, and ecological influences that could also influence the control of each risk factor. Multiple logistic regression analysis of behaviors and demographics was utilized to assess relationships of met aerobic recommendations to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tobacco/alcohol use, diet, physical activity limitations, mood, and socio-economic status. The study consisted of 340 African American participants (37% male 63% female), between the ages of 30-64 who, lived in the state of Texas. With a 95% confidence internal, p < .05, and effect size of .15, results indicated that participants controlling the risk factor poor diet (P = .011; OR 3.3 [CI 95%]) were three times more likely to meet aerobic recommendations than those who did not. Participants controlling risk factors education status (P = .002; OR 2.4 [CL 95%]), sex (P = .012; OR 1.9 [CI 95%]), and high blood pressure diagnosis (P = .044; OR 1.7 [CI 95%]) were also more likely to meet exercise recommendations than those who did not. Findings showed that by initiating and sustaining changes in modifiable factors, participants were likely to meet aerobic recommendations and reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. Policy makers, educators, health professionals, and employers are recommended to implement the study's results in communities, workplaces, and schools to target health promotion at persons with poor diet, hypertension, and less than a college education.

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