Social network composition of vascular patients and its associations with health behavior and clinical risk factors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study aimed to explore linkages of patients' social network composition with health behaviors and clinical risk factors.

Methods/design

This observational study was embedded in a project aimed at improving cardiovascular risk management (CRVM) in primary care. 657 vascular patients (227 with cardiovascular disease, 380 at high vascular risk), mean age 72.4 (SD 9.4) years, were recruited as were individuals patients considered important for dealing with their disease, so called alters (n = 487). Network composition was measured with structured patient questionnaires. Both patients and alters completed questionnaires to measure health behavior (habits for physical activity, diet, and smoking). Clinical risk factors (systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol leve

SUBMITTER: Heijmans N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5619748 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature