Because We Don't Take Better Care of Ourselves: Rural Black Women's Explanatory Models of Heart Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Among women aged 45–54, Black women are 2.5 to 3 times more likely than White women to die from coronary heart disease (CHD) and less likely to exercise. This study explored Black women's beliefs about the causes and risks of heart disease. Methods: Convenience sampling was used to recruit 20 Black women aged 40–58 years with at least one risk factor for CHD. Results: Participants identified 11 causes of heart disease within three factors: Lifestyle, Physiologic Causes, and Going to Get It. Discussion/Conclusion: The findings provide a focus for educational interventions to decrease risk for CHD in this population.

KEYWORDS:

• explanatory models
• rural
• coronary heart disease
• Black women

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Research supported in part by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Graduate School Intramural Funds.