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OBJECTIVES: To examine the interactive effects of message frames and CVD risk factors on women's knowledge, beliefs, efficacy, and behavioral intentions. METHODS: In a randomized experiment, women (n = 395) read either a loss- or gain-framed heart disease prevention message to test differential effects by risk factor status. RESULTS: Messages significantly increased knowledge, self-efficacy and intervention efficacy beliefs, and behavioral intentions. Frames had significantly different effects on self-efficacy and behavioral intent to engage in detection behaviors by parental risk factor status. CONCLUSIONS: Further study is warranted to assess effects of frames on behavioral outcomes among women at elevated CVD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study published in the "Journal of Women's Health" which focuses on measures of quality-of-life (QOL) of women subjected to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs offered by a particular institution in the U.S. It states that the study compares the efficacy of a women-only CR program and another which caters to both sexes. Based from data collected from the 12-week programs, women who had undergone the former CR program were able to demonstrate greater improvement. On the other hand, it tells that the QOL scores gathered from the study do not possess a high degree of clinical significance. It also adds that further research is needed for the improvement of the program from medical referral to the completion of the medical treatment.