Abstract
This telephone survey (n=601) provided baseline data for the development and evaluation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programming in the City of Hamilton. Questions covered health history, awareness of CVD risk factors, hypertension control, smoking, dietary fat knowledge, physical activity, and preferred sources of health promotion information. Body mass index values over 25 kg/m2 were calculated for 55.2% of respondents (n=439). Smoking and poor diet were the most frequently reported CVD risk factors. Lack of time was the main barrier to increased physical activity for nearly 54% of respondents. Print media (55%) and physicians (36%) were preferred sources of healthy eating information, while physical activity information was most likely to be sought from recreation centres (37%) and print media (34%). Smokers who wished to quit would consult a physician. In the City of Hamilton, CVD prevention programming should support healthy body weights through promotion of active lifestyles and healthy eating.
Résumé
Un sondage téléphonique a fourni des données de référence pour l’élaboration et l’évaluation de programmes de prévention des maladies cardio-vasculaires à Hamilton. Les questions couvraient les antécédents médicaux, la conscience des facteurs de risque des maladies car-dio-vasculaires, le contrôle de l’hypertension, l’usage du tabac, les connaissances sur les graisses alimentaires, l’activité physique et les sources préférées de renseignements sur la santé. Un échantillon aléatoire de 601 participants a répondu au sondage. Nous avons calculé des valeurs d’indice de masse corporelle de plus de 25 kg/m2 chez 55,2 % des répondants (n=439). L’usage du tabac et un régime alimentaire de qualité médiocre étaient les facteurs de risque de maladies cardio-vasculaires les plus fréquemment indiqués. Le manque de temps était l’obstacle principal à une augmentation de l’activité physique pour près de 54 % des répondants. La presse écrite (55 %) et les médecins (36 %) étaient les sources préférées de renseignements sur l’alimentation saine; les renseignements sur l’activité physique étaient principalement recherchés dans les centres de loisirs (37 %) et la presse écrite (34 %). Les fumeurs qui désiraient arrêter de fumer ont indiqué qu’ils consulteraient un médecin. À Hamilton, les programmes de prévention des maladies cardio-vasculaires devraient se concentrer sur le soutien à l’atteinte d’une masse corporelle saine en faisant la promotion d’un mode de vie actif et d’une alimentation saine.
Footnotes
Name of the dept to which the work should be attributed: City of Hamilton Social and Public Health Services Department, a Public Health Research Education and Development Program affiliated with McMaster University and the University of Guelph Funding for this project was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care, Community and Health Promotion Branch and the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care, Public Health Research, Education, and Development Program, Public Health Branch. As of January 1, 2000, the region of Hamilton-Wentworth was amalgamated to become the City of Hamilton.
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