The role of health beliefs. Motivators for cardiovascular health preventative behaviours among postmenopausal women in Malaysia

Abstract or Introduction

According to the World Health Organization(WHO, 2007), 45% of all deaths in older women globally were attributed to Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), and it is predicted, that the number of women who are affected by the disease is set to rise world wide (WHO,2007). The CVD is caused by buildup of atherosclerosis plaque, which result in the narrowed arteries causing insufficient supply of oxygen and nourishment to the heart (Suarez, 2003b). Temporary obstructions in the vital supply contribute to angina pectoris, and severe obstructions cause myocardial infarction (Suarez, Lewis, Krishnan & Young, 2004) .

Sclavo (2001) indicated that a significant factor to the risk of CVD mortality in women over 50 years is menopause. Mendelsohn and Karas (1999) described that depletion of estrogen and increased LDL cholesterol levels at menopause negatively impacts the cardiovascular and metabolism function . Modifiable health damaging activities such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor eating habits and alcohol consumption are likely to cause CVD and other health complications such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension in post-menopausal women( Rich-Edwards, Manson, Hennekens & Buring, 1995).

Personal, psychological and socio-cultural perspectives are said to influence the health-risk behaviour and illness in people(Matarazzo ,1994) . By exploring the health beliefs, perceived barriers and benefits to health seeking behaviour ( Rosenstock, Strecher & Becker, 1988), implementation of health promoting programs, prevention measures and adherence to medical advice can be structured to meet the CVD health requirement in postmenopausal women.