Perceptions of Cardiac Risk among a Low-Income Urban Diabetic Population

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of risk for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a population of urban, low socioeconomic status (SES) patients with type-2 diabetes but no known CVD and to identify factors associated with perceived risk. Methods. This cross-sectional study enrolled 143 patients, predominantly middle-aged African American women, at urban community clinics. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, medical history, health behavior, depressive symptoms, and perception of risk for CVD were measured. Results. Seventy-five percent of participants perceived that they had a 50% or smaller risk of developing CVD. Increased levels of perceived risk for the development of CVD were significantly and independently associated with increased depressive symptoms, poorer perception of general health, and higher intake of dietary fat. Conclusions. Comprehensive care for urban, poor, diabetic patients calls for effective communication of CVD risk and adequate treatment of depressive symptoms and traditional CVD risk factors.