Social Support and CHD Risk Factors--A Community Study
Summary
To examine the mechanism through which social support affects morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease.
Description
BACKGROUND:
Two hypotheses have been proposed to account for the effects of social support on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Both hypotheses operate through effects on risk factors for coronary heart disease, specifically arterial blood pressure and serum lipids. The stress- buffering hypothesis states that social support functions as a social resource for individuals exposed to social stressors; those persons with more support are less vulnerable to the risk-enhancing effects of stressors. The health behavior hypothesis states that persons with more support engage in more positive health behaviors, such as avoiding tobacco; moderate alcohol use; exercise; and, a prudent diet. A major limitation in research to evaluate these alternative hypotheses has been the failure to conceptualize and measure social support in a way appropriate to detect its effects in varying social and cultural contexts. This is a major issue in research in sub-cultural communities that are also high risk communities, such as African-Americans.
DESIGN NARRATIVE:
A cross-sectional survey of social stressors, social supports, health behaviors, and arterial blood pressure and serum lipids was conducted in a Black community in the rural South to evaluate the relative strengths of the stress-buffering versus the health behavior hypothesis. Social support was measured using a culturally appropriate technique which was sensitive both to the distinction between kin and nonkin social support, and the modification of the effects of that support by generational status. Multiple regression analysis and path analysis were used to evaluate the alternative hypotheses.
Study Design
Observational Model: Natural History
Conditions
Cardiovascular Diseases
Status
Completed
Source
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Results (where available)
Links
- Source: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00005343
- Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on July 15, 2010
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Cardiovascular Diseases
Pathological conditions involving the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM including the HEART; the BLOOD VESSELS; or the PERICARDIUM.
Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular
Methods and procedures for the diagnosis of diseases or dysfunction of the cardiovascular system or its organs or demonstration of their physiological processes.
Death, Sudden, Cardiac
Unexpected rapid natural death due to cardiovascular collapse within one hour of initial symptoms. It is usually caused by the worsening of existing heart diseases. The sudden onset of symptoms, such as CHEST PAIN and CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS, particularly VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA, can lead to the loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest followed by biological death. (from Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 7th ed., 2005)
Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
Processes and properties of the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM as a whole or of any of its parts.
Dental Care For Chronically Ill
Dental care for patients with chronic diseases. These diseases include chronic cardiovascular, endocrinologic, hematologic, immunologic, neoplastic, and renal diseases. The concept does not include dental care for the mentally or physically disabled which is DENTAL CARE FOR DISABLED.
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