Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Primary Major
Global Public Health
Thesis Advisor
Micheala George, PhD, MPH
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death globally and about 200,000 individuals experience their second myocardial infarction yearly. There is a lack of understanding about how lifestyle and behavioral changes can prevent secondary myocardial infarction a year in the United States. The objective of this study is to use a mixed methods approach to understand how individuals who have made lifestyle behavioral changes to prevent their secondary myocardial infarction. Surveys and interviews consisted of questions about the participants' health behaviors and health history. Demographics, background information, and lifestyle behavioral changes were measured using Qualtrics. Valid and reliable tools such as the Healthy Lifestyle Screening Tool, were utilized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with willing participants after survey completion. Quantitative associations of self-reported behaviors and thematic analysis were performed. Based on the results, we found statistically significant associations between the first myocardial infarction and willingness to change lifestyle behaviors (p>0.05). Additionally, thematic analysis reveals three main themes for preventing secondary myocardial infarctions; physical activity, nutrition, and general health. When connecting the qualitative and quantitative data, the three main themes were more consistently expressed. These findings suggest that behavior change is more likely in individuals who survived a myocardial infarction. Themes of physical activity, nutrition, and general health were expected to be common in the interviews. With this knowledge, individuals can be better educated on preventing myocardial infarctions.
Included in
Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Commons