Faculty Bibliography

Regular exercise, good dietary habits, knowledge of the disease and its warning signs as well as ability to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) are all important to prevent and combat Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Stroke. In 2005-2006, an AHA sponsored "Search Your Heart" cardiovascular disease intervention was conducted in 388 urban African-American/black and Latino/Hispanic faith based institutions, all churches of various denominations, to improve members' knowledge and preparedness about CVD and stroke. The intervention involved (a) distribution of a customized multi-component CVD and stroke related educational and skill development package to 388 "ambassadors" for all participating churches, (b) AHA staff coordinated educational sessions for the ambassadors and (c) 211 Ambassadors coordinating the conduct of at least one CVD educational activities in their churches. In May 2006, a written survey was distributed to 211 ambassadors affiliated with the Heritage affiliate of AHA, which covers New Jersey, Connecticut, Long Island and New York City, to: (a) assess the intervention's effect, and (b) plan and implement a targeted forward intervention approach based on findings. Survey questions addressed regular exercise, healthy eating, disease knowledge, and warning signs and ability to perform CPR.

This study evaluates the effects of the American Heart Association's Heart At Work program on cardiovascular disease risk factor awareness, self-efficacy, and health behaviors. A prospective, quasi-experimental research design was used to assess the impact of the program at two factory sites (one intervention and one control). A total of 633 employees participated. Intervention site respondents significantly improved their knowledge of blood pressure management, the relationship between nutrition and cardiovascular disease, and heart attack risk factors. They also were more likely to begin treatment for hypertension, to report fewer sick days, and to have plans to improve their diet and lose weight. These findings suggest that the Heart At Work program had a favorable overall impact.