Evaluation of a cardiovascular health promotion programme offered to low-income women in Korea

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate a cardiovascular health promotion programme, using an empowerment model, provided to low-income midlife women in South Korea.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Korean women, constituting 29% of all deaths among women in South Korea.

Design: A pre- and post-test experimental study design was used. The programme, which included two hours of lecture-based health education and one hour of small group discussion, was provided each week for six weeks. Telephone counselling was also provided. The topic of education included hypertension and cardiovascular disease, smoking and alcohol consumption, diet, exercise, stress management and compliance with medication instructions.

Methods: Forty midlife women who had at least two cardiovascular disease risk factors participated in the study. Biological (blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and health behaviour risk factors (smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption and diet) and psychosocial variables (knowledge, self-efficacy, depression and health-related quality of life) were measured for programme evaluation.

Results: Most of the risk factors were reduced, including blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (p < 0.05), while knowledge, self-efficacy and health-related quality of life were improved (p < 0.05). Changes related to smoking and exercise behaviour were not significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The programme was effective in decreasing biological risks and improving health-related quality of life, whereas it was ineffective in modifying unhealthy behaviour.

Relevance to clinical practice: Low-income women are a disenfranchised group and have relatively higher rates of health problems and unhealthy lifestyles. Provision of empowerment programmes targeting these women may increase their sense of control and reduce powerlessness.