Factors Affecting Decision Making in Hispanics Experiencing Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

It was estimated that 785,000 new myocardial infarctions (MIs), 470,000 recurrent MIs, and 195,000 silent MIs will occur during 2010 in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the cause of death for 27% of Hispanic males and 31.5% of Hispanic females. There has been an increasing discrepancy between Hispanic knowledge in recognition of MI symptoms compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Only 5.6 % to 27.4 % of Hispanics know all MI symptoms and the need to immediately activate emergency medical services, compared with 11.9% to 45.8% of non-Hispanic Whites. The health belief model is used to explore the factors affecting decision making in Hispanics experiencing MI. Modifying factors explored include acculturation, language spoken, education, socioeconomic status, and access to health care. The results include recommendations for future research and clinical practice to assist in planning targeted interventions in Hispanic populations nationwide.