Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors by Key Demographic Variables Among Mid-South Church Leaders from 2012 to 2017
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were examined among church leaders (n = 2309) who attended Mid-South United Methodist Church annual meetings between 2012 and 2017 using repeated cross-sectional data. There was a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) (b = 0.24, p = 0.001) and significant decreases in blood pressure (systolic: b = − 1.08, p < 0.001; diastolic: b = − 0.41, p = 0.002), total cholesterol (b = − 1.76, p = 0.001), and blood sugar (b = − 1.78, p = 0.001) over time. Compared to Whites, a significant increase was seen in BMI (b = 1.14, p = 0.008) among participants who self-identified as “Other,” and a significant increase was seen in blood pressure (systolic: b = 1.36, p = 0.010; diastolic: b = 1.01, p = 0.004) among African Americans over time. Results indicate BMI and blood pressure are important CVD risk factors to monitor and address among church leaders, especially among race/ethnic minority church leaders.
Publication Title
Journal of Religion and Health
Recommended Citation
San Diego, E., Ahuja, N., Johnson, B., Leak, C., Relyea, G., Lewis, J., French, N., & Harmon, B. (2021). Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors by Key Demographic Variables Among Mid-South Church Leaders from 2012 to 2017. Journal of Religion and Health, 60 (2), 1125-1140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01135-z
