Coronary Heart Disease Knowledge; Risk Factors and Behavior Changes in Overweight and Obese Women

Date of Award/Publication

6-2011

Document Type

DNP Project Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

First Supervisor

Mary S. Collins, PhD, RN, FAAN

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate coronary heart disease (CHD) knowledge in overweight and obese women and to determine intention change behaviors to reduce modifiable risk factors for CHD.

Data Sources: .Using a non experimental survey design pilot study with a correlational component, 26 overweight and obese women were administered a coronary heart disease knowledge tool, received a focused educational/counseling session and followed for risk reduction behavior changes over a 12 week period utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Conclusions: Knowledge gaps of coronary heart disease risks exist in overweight and obese women with limited risk factor information coming from their health care providers. Women in the pilot study intended and carried out some behavior changes once informed and counseled of their personal risks for CHD. Over the course of the study, 85% of the study participants were able to incorporate healthy behavior changes > 25% of the time resulting in weight loss ranging from five to 16 pounds, perceived energy and optimism for continued health behavior changes. Implications for Practice: Advanced practice nurses must remain diligent and vigilant about counseling their overweight and obese female patients about CHD risk factors including strategies for risk factor reduction behaviors for optimal health outcomes.

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