Diet and Heart Disease Over

Diet and Heart Disease

Over the last several decades, heart disease has become one of the leading causes of death throughout the Western world. In the United States, the number fatalities associated with the condition stands at a1.4 million deaths each year. According to the American Heart Association this condition is so extreme that it account for nearly $142 billion in lost productivity (each year). This is from: increased time off at work and the direct impact of the utilizing an increasing amount of health care services (as this is necessity for most people who are affected by the condition). (Yeung, 2009, pg. 447) This is troubling, because it shows how the problem has become so severe; that it is beginning to impact a significant portion of the adult population. However, there are sub-groups within the population that have been avoiding the common trends that are occurring in mainstream society. An area where this can be seen is with Seventh Day Adventists, as their lifestyle choices have helped certain segments of the population to avoid the common ailments affecting Western society. The problem is that many research studies are limited, by looking at select factors while ignoring others. For example, one area that could be helping to improve the lives of individuals is the use of natural supplements, in associate with their lifestyle. This is significant, because ignoring the effects of natural supplements on this group of the population, could mean that key areas of significance are overlooked. To determine why this population group is avoiding heart disease requires: looking at their lifestyle and the effects that taking natural supplements could play in mitigating the condition. This will be accomplished by: examining the hypothesis / design study, discussing the population sample, the methodology that will be used, possible areas of bias and how the two hypothesis; can help in the implementation of effective public health policy. Once this takes place, it will provide the greatest insights as to how an effective research study can be conducted on both theories.

Section 1

For simplification purposes, the paper will be subdivided into the two different sections, where we will examine each of the two different hypotheses. In this section we will be discussing why Seventh Day Adventists are less susceptible to heart disease.

What is the hypothesis? What study design will be used to test the hypothesis?

The first hypothesis is: Seventh-Day Adventists are less susceptible to heart disease, because of their strict dietary habits. The design study that will be used to test the hypothesis will be qualitative research. This is when we will be examining a number of different pieces of information, to determine what will be taking place. ("What is Qualitative Research," 2007) Where, researchers will be seeking to understand why this is occurring by looking at: different studies and corroborating them with our own. Once this occurs, it will provide the most accurate results, which will to support or refute the hypothesis being presented.

What population will serve as the participants? How will the participants be recruited? What will be the inclusion/exclusion criteria for inclusion/exclusion from the study?

The population sample that we will be using will mirror the sample from a similar study (Associations between Diet and Cancer). Where, we will examine Seventh Day Adventists who are vegetarians or have restricted diets. At the same time, we will compare these results with the general population. The sample will be selected based upon if someone is a Seventh Day Adventists and if they are vegetarians. We will recruit participants by going social functions that Seventh Day Adventists attend and different religious services. The inclusion criteria will be to compare the results of Seventh Day Adventist vegetarians with non-vegetarians. Then, we will compare these results, with sample from the general population. (Fraser, 1999, pp. 532 -- 538)

What will be the methodology used to test the hypothesis?

There are two methodologies that will be used to test the hypothesis to include: the scientific method and comparative analysis. The scientific method is when we are collecting various samples and then analyzing the underlying results. ("Scientific Method," 2010) The comparative method is when we will be corroborating the findings of our study with others that are conducted. Once this takes place, it will provide the most accurate results. ("Comparative Method," 2010)

What is the possibility of bias entering the study? If the study is susceptible to bias, state and explain the type of bias that may enter the study and what steps can be incorporated to minimize the entry of bias.

Almost nonexistent. The reason why is because the two methods will allow for the general trends to be evaluated. As a result, this makes it difficult for the bias of researchers to effect the outcome (because there are too many working parts of the study).

Based on your hypothesis/proposal, how will the proposed generated results help to develop an effective health policy for the target population of your chosen topic?

This hypothesis will help improve upon the results from the study: Associations between Diet and Cancer. Where, the dependent and independent variables will allow researchers to understand why this trend is occurring. Once this takes place, it can help to establish effective strategies for intelligently addressing the problem, versus telling everyone that they need to change their lifestyle (which is not working).

Section 2

What is the hypothesis? What study design will be used to test the hypothesis?

The second hypothesis is people who add natural supplements to their diet, will significantly reduce the chances of developing heart disease. For this study we will be using qualitative research.

What population will serve as the participants? How will the participants be recruited? What will be the inclusion/exclusion criteria for inclusion/exclusion from the study?

The population sample will be subdivided into two different groups: those individuals who are taking dietary supplements on a regular basis and those who are not. Participants will be recruited by visiting various health clinics and hospitals. The inclusion criteria will be to see if there are specific benefits for select population demographics based on: age, sex or ethnic groups.