Cardiovascular disease knowledge, medication adherence, and barriers to preventive action in a minority population

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a disproportionately high risk to minority populations.
• Limited knowledge and awareness of CVD risk factors and management contribute to these disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess knowledge of optimal blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol goals among minority individuals in Harlem, New York.
• To evaluate preventive behaviors and identify factors associated with poor awareness and medication nonadherence.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted with 214 minority participants in Harlem, New York.
• Data collected included knowledge of BP and cholesterol targets, awareness of personal high BP, and medication adherence.
• Statistical analyses identified predictors of low awareness and nonadherence.

Main Results:

• Over half of participants lacked knowledge of optimal BP (52%) and cholesterol (60%) goals.
• Lack of health insurance and less than a high school education were linked to not knowing optimal BP.
• Among those with high BP, 34% were unaware, with younger age (<55) predicting unawareness.
• Younger age (<45) and lack of health insurance predicted medication nonadherence.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps in knowledge regarding CVD prevention goals exist within this minority population.
• Younger, less educated, and uninsured individuals represent key targets for health education interventions.
• Interventions should focus on CVD prevention, personal risk awareness, and medication adherence to mitigate health disparities.