Abstract

This study was based on a cardiovascular education program, endorsed by the National Institute of Health, designed for the African American (AA) population to improve outcomes regarding knowledge and self-efficacy of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). This pilot community-based study was based on a descriptive comparative design with the descriptive element of the study focused on describing AA’s knowledge, perceptions, and self-efficacy regarding CHD. An evidence-based educational program was presented to sixteen AAs who volunteered to participant in the study. The study was aimed to promote their knowledge of CHD and to enhance their self- efficacy regarding health related behaviors to reduce the risk of the disease. To determine effectiveness of the program, pre and post tests were given to assess “changes” in knowledge and self-efficacy perceptions among the participants. The setting for this study was one church located in a major city in Southern California. After the program, post test scores increased slightly for general knowledge of CHD; Self-efficacy also increased as noted by participants’ intent to engage in future healthy behaviors (i.e. low fat diet, regular exercise and reduction of salt intake and dietary cholesterol, smoking cessation; prevention screening). While the sample size was small, the results of the pilot study are promising with regards to implementing church-based educational program to improve AA’s CHD knowledge and their self-efficacy to engage in CHD risk reduction measures.