Cardiovascular disease knowledge and weight perception among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women

While knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has improved, it remains low among minority women, thereby contributing to disparities and posing health challenges. Moreover, substantial numbers of women do not recognize that excess weight imposes CVD risk and increases morbidity and decreases survival. In order to test the hypothesis that CVD knowledge is reduced among overweight and obese women, CVD knowledge and weight perception was compared among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women.

Data from 382 Hispanic and 301 NHW women, participants in the Heart Health in Action database (n=829), were analyzed from a structured behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) questionnaire to assess demographics, risk factors, and CVD knowledge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to test for differences between Hispanic and NHW women regarding knowledge with covariates of age, education, and body mass index (BMI).

Hispanics (27%) were less likely than NHW (88%) to correctly identify the leading cause of death among women, (p<0.0001). Years living in the United States did not relate to the percentage of respondents who correctly identified the leading cause of death among women or knew the symptoms of a heart attack. Differences between Hispanic and NHW remained significant after adjustment for age, education, and BMI (p<0.0001). Hispanics (69.4%) were less likely than NHW (82.9 %) to correctly estimate weight (p<0.0001). Underestimation of weight was greater among Hispanics (24.8%) than NHW (5.0%); 48.5% of overweight Hispanic participants versus 12.7% of overweight NHW participants underestimated weight (p<0.0001) and 17.2% of obese Hispanic versus 0% of NHW obese participants (p=0.001) underestimated weight. The percentage underestimating the silhouette corresponding to their weight was related to years in the United States: 29.3% for<10 years, 38.3% with 10-19 years, and 49.3% with ≥20 years (p=0.01 for trend).

Effective prevention strategies for at-risk populations need to target CVD knowledge and awareness among overweight and obese Hispanic women.