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The article discusses research on improving understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for the effective development of a community-based CVD risk reduction program in the Central Appalachia Kentucky region. It explores prevalence of CVD in the state, engagement of Appalachian Kentucky residents in unhealthy behavior, and observed healthcare inequities in the region. The demographic characteristics of focus group participants are outlined including education, race, and perceived income.

Completion of the Human Papillomavirus ( HPV) vaccine series is a national priority. This study not only identified correlates of intent to complete the vaccine series and actual series completion, but also tested the efficacy of a DVD intervention to promote series completion. Women's beliefs that all 3 doses reduced cancer risk predicted intent and completion. Intention predicted completion, as did the belief that having a friend accompany the woman would promote completion. Beyond these effects, women assigned to the intervention were 2.44 times more likely than women in the usual care group to complete the series. Thus, in controlled analyses, a theory-grounded DVD intervention successfully promoted HPV series completion in a community setting. This method of intervention has high translational potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]