Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
Community nurse assessment of cardiovascular behavioural risk factors--a qualitative analysis within the CroHort
Adriana Andrić1, Silvije Vuletić
1Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices, Zagreb, Croatia. adriana.andric@halmed.hr
Insights
Individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) often face a cycle of unhealthy behaviors due to low motivation and poor social support. Recognizing CVD risk and changing habits remain significant challenges.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health burden.
- Identifying determinants of cardiovascular behavioral risk factors is crucial for prevention.
- Subjects at increased risk require targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify major determinants of cardiovascular behavioral risk factors.
- To understand the interplay between personal and environmental factors influencing health behaviors.
- To explore the challenges in risk perception and behavior change among high-risk individuals.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis using Grounded Theory principles.
- Data sourced from the Croatian Adult Health Cohort Study (CroHort).
- Integration with quantitative findings for comprehensive insights.
Main Results:
- A concept of a 'vicious circle' of risky health behavior was generated.
- Low motivation and unfavorable personal characteristics interact with an unsupportive social environment.
- Individuals often fail to recognize CVD risk and resist changing unhealthy habits.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular risk behaviors are sustained by a complex interplay of individual and social factors.
- Interventions should address low motivation and social environmental barriers.
- Improving risk perception and promoting behavior change are key challenges for community nurses.
Abstract:
The aim of our study was to identify major determinants of cardiovascular behavioural risk factors among subjects at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The data for the qualitative analysis were obtained from the Croatian Adult Health Cohort Study (CroHort). The data analysis was based on the principles of Grounded Theory. We have generated the concept of an individual in a vicious circle of risky health behaviour, defined by the low level of motivation and unfavourable personal characteristics which in interaction with unsupportive social environment adversely influence one's health behaviour, leading to negative health outcomes that produce negative effects on one's motivation and social environment. Community nurses assessed that the respondents often weren't adequately recognising their CVD risk and were very reluctant about the change in their risky habits. Our results are supported by the quantitative analysis and are complementing other analyses of the cardiovascular risks within the CroHort study.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
01:23Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
01:29Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
01:29Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
01:20Angina V: Nursing Management