Relationships Among Health Risk Factors and Objective Physical Findings in Well Rural Appalachian Women
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1996
Description
This pilot study sought to describe the patterns of health risk factors and objective physical findings in well rural Appalachian women. A retrospective chart review was conducted of the records of 50 women who received a health history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory testing as part of a rural community wellness project. The most prevalent risk factors found were past or present smoking, history of lung disease, physical inactivity, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Higher numbers of risk factors per person were correlated with lower levels of education. The most prevalent physical findings were systolic blood pressure greater than 140 and diastolic greater than 90, diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 with normal systolic, total cholesterol greater than 240, low-density lipoprotein levels greater than 130, and greater than 20% over ideal weight. This sample reveals a high prevalence of risk factors for the leading causes of mortality in middle-aged women, partially accounted for by low formal education levels, poverty, and limited access to health care.
Citation Information
Edwards, Joellen B.; Shuman, Patricia; and Glenn, L. Lee. 1996. Relationships Among Health Risk Factors and Objective Physical Findings in Well Rural Appalachian Women. Family and Community Health. Vol.18(4). 67-80. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003727-199601000-00011 ISSN: 0160-6379