Knowledge of and attitudes toward coronary heart disease and nutrition in Oregon families

In an effort to examine knowledge about heart disease and nutrition and attitudes toward dietary change, 754 women and 125 men were interviewed. The majority of respondents recognized the association between coronary heart disease and various risk factors, including dietary cholesterol. Although they acknowledged the value of dietary change in reducing risk, the majority denied that the food they now eat increases their risk for heart disease, which suggests a lack of perception about possible benefits to be derived from dietary change. The importance of addressing perceived barriers to change is discussed.