Coronary-prone behavior in the Netherlands: a cross-cultural validation study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) measures the Type A behavior pattern, a potential risk factor for coronary heart disease.
• Previous research has primarily focused on Type A behavior and heart disease within the United States.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Dutch adaptation of the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) in identifying the coronary-prone behavior pattern Type A.
• To investigate the association between Type A behavior, as measured by the JAS, and coronary heart disease risk factors in a Dutch male population.

Main Methods:

• Administered the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) to 2712 males in the Kaunas-Rotterdam Intervention Study (KRIS).
• Utilized a maximum-likelihood method for item analysis and test scoring, with the structured interview serving as the criterion.
• Assessed cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms like angina pectoris during screening.

Main Results:

• The Dutch adaptation of the JAS correctly classified 73% of the subjects.
• Individuals undergoing treatment for cardiovascular risk factors or experiencing angina pectoris exhibited higher mean JAS scores.
• These findings suggest a link between Type A behavior and coronary heart disease in a population outside the United States.

Conclusions:

• The Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) is a valid tool for assessing Type A behavior in the Dutch population.
• Type A behavior, as measured by the JAS, is associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms.
• The study provides evidence supporting the link between Type A behavior and coronary heart disease in international contexts.