Illinois WISEWOMAN Program
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The WISEWOMAN (Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) program was designed to address the disproportionate risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among disadvantaged, low-income women and is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Illinois WISEWOMAN program (IWP) aims to lower heart disease and other chronic disease risk factors through screening and lifestyle classes. The four weekly lifestyle classes teach women how to eat healthy, increase physical activity, problem solve, set goals, and also teaches them about the importance of a support system.
Members of the Illinois WISEWOMAN program receive screenings for heart disease, breast cancer, and cervical cancer in one combined office visit. After the office visit, members speak with IWP nurse case managers about their lab results and are eligible to attend four weekly group classes that help teach ways of increasing physical activity, improving dietary behaviors, and other lifestyle behaviors.
Members of the Illinois WISEWOMAN program receive screenings for heart disease, breast cancer, and cervical cancer in one combined office visit. After the office visit, members speak with IWP nurse case managers about their lab results and are eligible to attend four weekly group classes that help teach ways of increasing physical activity, improving dietary behaviors, and other lifestyle behaviors.
Goal / Mission
The Illinois WISEWOMAN program (IWP) aims to lower heart disease and other chronic disease risk factors through screening and lifestyle classes for women in high-risk populations in service counties throughout Illinois.
Impact
The Illinois WISEWOMAN Program addresses the disproportionate risk of cardiovascular disease among disadvantaged, low-income women. Participation in the program has been shown to improve dietary, physical activity and cardiovascular outcomes.
Results / Accomplishments
A study of the Illinois WISEWOMAN has shown its strength in addressing some of the lifestyle behaviors for CVD prevention in the at-risk target population. A total of 1,021 women aged 40 to 64 years were recruited from the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and were randomized to either a minimum intervention (MI) or an enhanced intervention (EI) group. Both groups received CVD risk factor screening and educational materials, and the EI group received a 12-week lifestyle change intervention. Participants in the EI group showed significant improvement on some of the dietary and physical activity outcomes both at post-intervention and 1-year follow-up. Compared with the MI group, the EI group showed more improvement in dietary fat- and fiber-related behaviors and increased physical activity levels. There were improvements in all of the cardiovascular outcomes at post-intervention in both the EI and MI groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health
Primary Contact
Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health and Family Services
535 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761-0001
217-524-6088
DPH.OWHLine@Illinois.gov
http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/owh...
535 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761-0001
217-524-6088
DPH.OWHLine@Illinois.gov
http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/owh...
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Heart Disease & Stroke
Health / Women's Health
Health / Heart Disease & Stroke
Health / Women's Health
Organization(s)
Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health
Date of publication
3/21/2012
Location
Illinois
For more details
Target Audience
Women