Preventing Chronic Disease
Volume 7, Issue 2, 2010

Perceptions of cardiovascular health in underserved communities (Article)

Bryant L.L.* , Chin N.P. , Cottrell L.A. , Duckles J.M. , Diana Fernandez I. , Marcela Garces D. , Keyserling T.C. , McMilin C.R. , Peters K.E. , Samuel-Hodge C.D. , Tu S.-P. , Vu M.B. , Fitzpatrick A.L.
  • a Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, 13001 East 17th Ave B-119, Denver, CO 80045, United States
  • b University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
  • c West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
  • d University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
  • e University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
  • f University of Illinois at Rockford, Rockford, IL, United States
  • g University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
  • h University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
  • i University of Illinois at Rockford, Rockford, IL, United States, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
  • j University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
  • k University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • l University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
  • m University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths and illnesses in US adults, and the prevalence is disproportionately high in underserved populations. In this study, we assessed respondents' understanding of context-specific differences in knowledge and perceptions of disease, risk, and prevention in 6 underserved communities, with the longer-term goal of developing appropriate interventions. Methods: Thirty-nine small-group sessions and 14 interviews yielded data from 318 adults. Each site's researchers coded, analyzed, and extracted key themes from local data. Investigators from all sites synthesized results and identified common themes and differences. Results: Themes clustered in 3 areas (barriers to cardiovascular health, constraints related to multiple roles, and suggestions for effective communications and programs). Barriers spanned individual, social and cultural, and environmental levels; women in particular cited multiple roles (eg, competing demands, lack of self-care). Programmatic suggestions included the following: personal, interactive, social context; information in language that people use; activities built around cultural values and interests; and community orientation. In addition, respondents preferred health-related information from trusted groups (eg, AARP), health care providers (but with noticeable differences of opinion), family and friends, and printed materials. Conclusion: Interventions to decrease barriers to cardiovascular health are needed; these strategies should include family and community context, small groups, interactive methods, culturally sensitive materials, and trusted information sources. New-immigrant communities need culturally and linguistically tailored education before receiving more substantive interventions.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

cultural anthropology perception Medically Underserved Area health care planning psychological aspect Cardiovascular Diseases human middle aged Aged Humans cardiovascular disease male female risk factor Risk Factors Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article adult attitude to health Culture
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77952303014&partnerID=40&md5=fadd35096587ef22ad9fb11d71d8ef48
ISSN: 15451151
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English