Effects of the Omaha System- and HeartScore®-Based Impaired-Risk Perception Reduction Program on the Risk Perception of Individuals Aged 50–65 Years: A One-Group Pre-Test–Post-Test Study

Abstract

Purpose

This study evaluates the impact of interventions in the Omaha System and HeartScore®-based program to reduce impaired-risk perception.

Design

and setting: This study utilized a one-group pre-test–post-test design.

Subjects

The program was conducted among participants aged over 50 years from different social settings.

Intervention

The program had three parts: a briefing on HeartScore® recommendations, Omaha System interventions, and referral to a doctor.

Measures

HeartScore® determined cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight, and the International PA Questionnaire evaluated physical activity (PA) levels. Self-assessment was used to perceived CVD risk, BMI, and PA.

Analysis

We used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare the pre-test and post-test scores of the Omaha System, the problem rating scale (PRS) subscales and McNemar test to measure changes in CVD risk perception, BMI, and PA level.

Results

310 high-risk individuals out of 522 had impaired perception of their CVD risk. Only 201 responded to follow-up phone calls. Interventions based on HeartScore® and Omaha System improved CVD risk and PA perceptions (P < .001) but not BMI. The program significantly increased knowledge, status, and behavior scores (P < .001). After participating, 39% saw a cardiologist, and 57.2% saw a family physician within six months to reduce impaired risk perception. CVD risk perception increased to the actual level after the intervention, mostly in the group with low education level.

Conclusions

The program using the Omaha System and HeartScore® can help middle-aged individuals better understand their risk of cardiovascular disease.