Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Diana D. Naser

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 25% of the annual deaths in the United States and represents a major public health burden, as patients often require screening and lifestyle changes related to multiple risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to determine if there was a statistically significant association between high blood pressure and high cholesterol awareness (prevention and management) and cardiovascular health outcomes (angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, and heart attack). The theoretical framework that guided this study was the health belief model. Data from adults over the age of 18 from the 2017 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset were used for this study. Logistic regression was used to analyze data. Results showed no statistically significant association between high blood pressure awareness (prevention and management) and cardiovascular health outcome (angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, and heart attack) based on race, age, level of education, and acculturation. There was also no statistically significant association between high cholesterol awareness (prevention and management) and cardiovascular health outcome (angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, and heart attack) based on race, age, level of education, and acculturation. This study may contribute to positive social change through an increase in individuals' level of awareness of their medical condition, which could lead to a reduction in the burden of cardiovascular disease.

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