CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: A STUDY OF DALLAS HEART WALK PARTICIPANTS

Authors

  • Sarah Mitchell Johnson Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
  • Dr. Mark Davis ssistant Professor, Department of Sociology & Criminology, University of Arkansas
  • Dr. Michael Jackson Assistant Professor and Director of MSW Program, School of Social Work, The University of Alabama

Keywords:

American Heart Association, cardiovascular health, health belief theory, self-reported health behaviors, Dallas Heart Walk

Abstract

This study examines the impact of self-reported health behaviors and the health belief theory on participants in heart-healthy events, such as the Dallas Heart Walk, which supports the American Heart Association's mission to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke. The American Heart Association developed Life's Simple 7® to assess cardiovascular health through seven metrics, including blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, weight, physical activity, and smoking status. Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in the United States, and the AHA's goal is to improve cardiovascular health and reduce deaths by 20% by 2020. The study aims to understand how participants' health beliefs and behaviors align with these goals and whether engagement in heart-healthy events influences their cardiovascular health.

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Published

2025-01-30

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 3 (2023)

Section

Articles