Perceived Susceptibility to and Severity of Cardiovascular Disease Is Associated With Intent to Change Behavior Among Women 25-55 Years Old

Background: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among young and middle-aged women have increased, whereas CVD knowledge and awareness remain low.

Aims: The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between the stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of CVD among women 25-55 years and identify predictors of the stage of behavior change.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of women ages 25-55 years living in the United States was conducted. Awareness was measured with the question "What is the leading cause of death for women in the United States?" Knowledge, perceptions, and the stage of behavior change were measured with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire, Health Beliefs Related to CVD, and Precaution Adoption Process Model instruments, respectively. Chi-square and t tests were used to determine differences between awareness, knowledge, and perceptions based on the stage of behavior change. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions.

Results: A total of 149 primarily minority women (n = 105) were included (mean age = 37.15 ± 7.86 years). The perception of CVD susceptibility was associated with increased intention to change behavior (odds ratio, 1.247; 95% confidence interval, 1.101-1.414; P < .001). The perception of CVD severity was associated with reduced intention to change behavior (odds ratio, 0.809; P = .004).

Conclusion: Women who believed they were susceptible to CVD and did not perceive CVD as severe were more likely to report intent to change behavior, suggesting perception of CVD risk is more important than awareness or knowledge. Addressing misperceptions may be a strategy for primary risk reduction.