Assessment of a cardiovascular education program

A single education program for teaching principles of the Prudent Diet was assessed for its effectiveness in producing compliance to dietary recommendations. The study population consisted of 50 free-living adults between the ages of 20 and 75. Each adult was a member of a club or organization that had requested to view the program via a local chapter of the AHA. A pretest/post-test format was used for the study. Individuals completed a questionnaire prior to viewing the program and again eight weeks after viewing the program. The questionnaire was designed to measure attitudes, knowledge, and compliance to recommendations. Demographic data regarding age, sex, and exposure to heart disease were also obtained. Results indicated that the study population changed their beliefs about their perceived susceptibility to CHD, becoming more concerned after viewing the program. Attitudes toward diet and CHD became slightly more positive but not significantly so. An overall gain in knowledge occurred that was highly significant. The study group consumed skim milk, lean meats, and broiled meats more often after viewing the program. In addition, they reported trimming all visible fat from meat before preparation and/or consumption. It was concluded that this education program has potential for producing an attitude change and knowledge acquisition and for motivating positive changes in dietary habits toward the recommendations of the Prudent Diet.