Abstract 17600: The 10,000 Women Project: A Deeper Dive Into the Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Health of Black Women

Introduction: Factors influencing the severity of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in women are not fully understood. Social determinants of health (level of education, income, insurance) play an important role in predicting CVD especially in the Black women community.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that having better social determinants of health will predict better behavioral changes after a 6-month follow up from a community screening effort.

Methods: Between 2015 and 2018, CVD screening and education across the southeastern metropolitan region was provided as “The 10,000 Women Project”. Social determinants of health (insurance, level of education, income), comorbidities, CVD risk factors, activity, and dietary assessment were collected. Behavioral changes were assessed at a 6-month follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess for associations while adjusting for covariates.

Results: A total of n=945 Black women were screened, 16% childbearing age (20-40yr). The majority had health insurance (93%) and at least college-level education (88%). The majority (49%) had a household income >$48,000. At least one CVD (HTN, DM, stroke, heart attack) was reported in 45% and smoking was reported in 11%. Only 28% met the AHA exercise recommendation (≥ 30minutes 3x/week) and 42% limited their salt intake. At 6-month follow-up, there was 60% odds of increased exercise (OR=1.6, p=0.034) among those with college-level education or higher. Also, they experienced 70% improvement in diet (1.7, p=0.024), a 60% weight loss (1.6, p=0.047), and 90% increase in regular BP measurement (1.9, p=0.016). Higher household incomes were associated with 50% higher odds of improving exercise (OR=1.5, p=0.008) and dietary habits (OR=1.5, p=0.01). Adjustments were made for age, demographics, CVD risk factors and comorbidities.

Conclusions: We report greater positive changes in Black women with better baseline social determinants of health after a 6-month follow-up. Systemic changes are needed to address these underlying players of CVD diseases.