Health Promotion for African-American Men: Improving awareness of the link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Emerging literature has shown there is link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular (CVD) disease. It has been suggested that ED is an independent risk factor for CVD. The presence of moderate to severe ED in African American (AA) men has been observed at a higher incidence among comparisons, and the major cause of death in this subpopulation is CVD disease. The primary objective of this study is to measure the effectiveness of the education in increasing awareness about the link between ED and CVD in AA men. Two faith-based organizations (FBO's) were identified to conduct this project. A priori power analysis was conducted to determine a sample size of 37 participants was needed for statistical significance. An attempt was made to recruit 50 participants for the project. A power point presentation was used as a part of the educational intervention. A post seminar questionnaire titled, The Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) was used to evaluate participants’ understanding of CVD risk factors. Descriptive statistics and linear regression statistical tests were used to analyze the data collected from the HDFQ. The theoretical framework that underpins the project is the Pender Model for Health Promotion which postulates that increased awareness improves health outcomes.