A pilot study of psychosocial factors and cardiovascular risk amongst Aboriginal people living in the Goulburn Valley

Objectives: Research has suggested that higher mastery is associated with lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This pilot study investigated how a range of psychosocial factors, including mastery, relate to CVD risk factors among Aboriginal people living in rural south-eastern Australia. Methods: Psychosocial and behavioural measures were obtained via questionnaire as part of developing a cardiovascular risk screening program (The Heart Health Project). Relationships between mastery, social support and other risk-factors were examined. Results: Higher mastery was associated with a greater likelihood of having quit smoking (p=0.007), higher partner support (p=0.013) and higher total cholesterol levels (p=0.004). Conclusions: Results were consistent with previous studies but suggested that for this population, the relationship between mastery and CVD risk may more complex than expected. Results indicated that mastery may have some utility as a point for intervention to improve health and wellbeing, however further research into these associations and their cultural salience for Aboriginal people is warranted.