Measurement of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Risk Factors for Heart Disease in College Women

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to measure knowledge, attitudes, andbeliefs about heart disease in college women. The dependent variables for the sample population (n = 400) were age, race, and level of education. The respondents were given a Likert scale survey that was developed using the constructs of the Health Belief Modelas the dependent variables. The statistical results reported measures of central tendency and measure of dispersion. Regression analysis was used with single and multiple independent variables to find the most significant relationships. The study results showed that there was no significant relationship between age, race, level of education and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about heart disease. This has important implications for health educators. The study indicates that it is not necessary to design heart education programs in the college setting based on age, race, or level of education.