Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science
Department
Dietetics and Nutrition
Advisor's Name
Evelyn Enrione
Advisor's Title
Committee Chair
Advisor's Name
Marcia Magnus
Advisor's Name
Victoria Castellanos
Date of Defense
4-1-2010
Abstract
Women are a high-risk population for cardiovascular diseases (CVD); however relationships between CVD and subpopulations of mothers are sparse. A secondary data analysis of the 2006 Health Survey of Adults and Children in Bermuda was conducted to compare the prevalence of CVD risk factors in single (n=77) and partnered (n=241) mothers. A higher percentage of single mothers were Black (p<0.001), less educated (p=0.002), and earned less income (p<0.001) than partnered mothers. The majority of all mothers consumed fruits and vegetables below recommendations of the Bermuda Nutrition Services. Fast-food consumption (p=0.068), moderate (p=0.402) and vigorous (p=0.117) physical activity did not differ significantly between the groups. However, significantly more single mothers omitted breakfast (p=0.003), had a BMI >25 kg/m2 (p=0.01) and reported high blood pressure (p=0.004) and high cholesterol (0.017). Single mothers were nearly three times (OR=2.66) more likely to experience high blood pressure and two times (OR= 2.22) more likely to have high cholesterol. Single mothers may benefit from nutrition education programs related to lowering CVD risk.
Recommended Citation
Dill, Courtney, "Comparison of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors between Single and Partnered Mothers: Data from the 2006 Health Survey of Adults and Children in Bermuda" (2010). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 158.
http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/158