Knowledge on cardio-cerebrovascular disease and health behaviors among middle-aged postmenopausal women at risk

Abstract

Purpose This study examined knowledge about cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and its relationship to health behaviors among middle-aged postmenopausal women with CVD risk factors.

Methods The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. One hundred and thirty-six postmenopausal women were recruited from outpatient departments of four hospitals. The women were 60.69±6.5 years old. Self-reported questionnaires were administered, and waist-hip ratios (WHR) were measured.

Results Among the women, 72.8% reported hypertension, 19.1% reported diabetes, 33.8% reported hypercholesterolemia, and 24.2% reported angina pectoris. Moreover, 73.9% of the women reported not knowing of CVD prevention, and only 26.1% reported exercising regularly. A majority of the women (80.9%) had a WHR > 0.85. Multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for age and marital status indicated that the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke increased (p<.001). Waist-hip ratio≤0.85 (p=.022) and living with family members (p=.006) were significant predictors of healthier behaviors (R2=0.21, p<.001). Knowledge of CVD and health behaviors were not correlated.

Conclusion Obese women and women who live alone are no more likely to practice health behaviors aimed at CVD prevention than their counterparts in the sample. Education and exercise interventions are needed, especially for obese women, to promote healthy behaviors among middle-aged postmenopausal women with CVD risk factors.