Description: This study examined whether implementing a cardiovascular health toolkit in VA primary care clinics increased women Veterans’ participation in programs that support heart health and behavior change. The results showed that the toolkit was associated with greater participation in health-promoting programs, but the effects differed by age. Among women age 65 and older, active toolkit implementation increased participation in the VA MOVE! weight management program. Among women younger than 65, it increased use of health promotion, disease prevention, and complementary integrative health programs such as coaching, yoga, and meditation. Overall, the findings suggest that implementing structured, evidence-based cardiovascular resources in primary care can help engage women Veterans in risk-reduction programs.

Citation: Farmer, M. M., Hamilton, A. B., Finley, E. P., Lee, M., Chanfreau, C., Than, C., Brunner, J., Schweizer, C. A., Huynh, A. K., Moin, T., & Bean-Mayberry, B. (2024). Implementation of a cardiovascular toolkit in primary care increased women Veterans’ engagement in behavior change programs: results from a non-randomized stepped wedge trial. Research square, rs.3.rs-5347756. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5347756/v1

Creative Commons license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/