Honors Theses

Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2025

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

First Advisor

Albert Nylander

Second Advisor

Jamiko Deleveaux

Third Advisor

Meagen Rosenthal

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Mississippi ranks among the worst states in the United States for cardiovascular health, with high rates of heart disease, obesity, and hypertension. This thesis examines how race and gender influence heart health literacy and behavioral practices among University of Mississippi students. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative survey data from a stratified random sample of 1,000 students with qualitative interviews from a public health professional specializing in cardiovascular health and a student heavily involved with on-campus heart health programs. The findings suggest that disparities in heart health literacy both align and differ with broader social stratification patterns observed in Mississippi’s adult population, specifically racial and gender differences. Interviews with public health professionals reinforce these patterns, highlighting systemic issues such as inadequate public health funding, educational disparities, and the ongoing influence of social determinants on cardiovascular health outcomes. The study concludes that targeted public health interventions, particularly those addressing disparities in education and access, are essential for improving heart health literacy among young adults. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on health equity and suggest actionable strategies for reducing cardiovascular health disparities in Mississippi.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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