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Characteristics and Health Care Preferences Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Women Veterans.
BACKGROUND: Women veterans are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but little is known about comorbidities and healthcare preferences associated with CVD risk in this population. METHODS: We describe the prevalence of CVD-relevant health behaviors, mental health symptoms, and health care use characteristics and preferences among participants of the National Survey of Women Veterans (conducted 2008-2009). FINDINGS: Fifty-four percent of respondents were at risk for CVD (defined as a diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, current tobacco use, or obesity without CVD). In unadjusted analysis, ORs for being at risk for CVD were greater among those interested in gender-specific clinical settings (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4) and gender-specific weight loss programs (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9). ORs were also greater for women who were physically inactive (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3), with current symptoms of depression (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-6.1), anxiety (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.6), and posttraumatic stress disorder (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2-4.8). Adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education level, employment, and source of health care use, the ORs for CVD risk were higher for women with current posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3) and gender-specific health care preferences (2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4), and gender-specific weight loss programs (1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2). CONCLUSIONS: Risk for CVD was common and preferences for gender-specific care and posttraumatic stress disorder were associated with being at risk for CVD. Women's health clinics may be a good location for targeted CVD prevention interventions for women veterans both in and outside the Veterans Health Administration.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Women's Health
- Veterans Health
- Veterans
- United States
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
- Risk Factors
- Racial Groups
- Public Health
- Prevalence
- Middle Aged
Citation
![Journal cover image](https://secure.syndetics.com/index.aspx?isbn=/lc.gif&issn=1878-4321&client=dukeuniv)
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Women's Health
- Veterans Health
- Veterans
- United States
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
- Risk Factors
- Racial Groups
- Public Health
- Prevalence
- Middle Aged