Use of the Internet for Health Information by African- Americans with Modifiable Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of Internet use among African-Americans at risk of cardiovascular disease and to determine the feasibility of developing Webbased, culturally relevant health information programs to reduce cardiovascular disease in the African American faith community. A cross-sectional survey was used to investigate the association of Internet use with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among members of African Methodist Episcopal churches in South Carolina. A telephone survey including questions on demographic factors, medical history, diet, and exercise was administered to a sample of 208 adult church members. A preventable CVD risk factor was defined as having any of the following: hypertension, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette use, and not participating in moderate physical activity. A logistic regression determined the relationship of having a preventable CVD risk factor with Internet use while controlling for potential confounding variables. Am...