West Virginia WISEWOMAN

Research: West Virginia WISEWOMAN is designed to reduce cardiovascular risk for low-income women aged 40-64 through implementation of health education interventions specifically developed for this Appalachian population and informed by Social Cognitive Theory, the Health Belief Model, and the Transtheoretical Model. Three health behaviors are primary targets: vegetable/fruit intake; dietary fat intake; level of physical activity. Secondary outcomes include: cholesterol level, BMI, and blood pressure. The study uses an experimental two group research design with the unit of analysis the clinical site. Twelve clinical sites in the northern and southern counties of West Virginia are participating. All participants are personally interviewed with a health risk and behavioral survey and receive clinical assessment of HDL and cholesterol, glucose, BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure at baseline and 12 month follow-up. Participants in the intervention group view Cookin' Up Health, a WEB and computer-based interactive nutrition program, receive stage-based tailored print health communications targeting healthy eating and physical activity, and are given pedometers to encourage walking.

 

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Funded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003-2008