Open AccessThe Effectiveness of Comprehensive Health Education Programming to Decrease Cardiovascular Health Disparities: The Case of HeartSmarts
Author(s) -
Naa-Solo Tettey
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
global journal of health science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1916-9744
pISSN - 1916-9736
DOI - 10.5539/gjhs.v11n3p68
Subject(s) - cardiovascular health , medicine , health literacy , health education , disease , gerontology , waist , curriculum , health equity , blood pressure , affect (linguistics) , physical therapy , family medicine , medical education , public health , health care , nursing , obesity , psychology , economics , radiology , economic growth , communication , pedagogy , pathology
Chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, affect African Americans at disproportionately higher rates due in part to low health literacy and a lack of comprehensive health education programs.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of HeartSmarts, a culturally tailored, comprehensive cardiovascular health education program, in improving cardiovascular health literacy.
METHODS: Peer health educators were trained to deliver an extensive curriculum focused on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Upon completion, they delivered this curriculum in their churches and communities. Pre- and post-assessments were administered for blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, and knowledge of cardiovascular disease.
RESULTS: Fourteen predominantly African American churches in New York City participated, and 199 participants completed the program. Participants experienced decreases in blood pressure and weight, improved their health-related behaviors, and significantly increased their knowledge of cardiovascular health.
CONCLUSION: The HeartSmarts program demonstrates the effectiveness of using a comprehensive health education approach to help combat these issues. Programs that use strategies similar to HeartSmarts should be implemented for other health conditions to decrease health disparities.