Journal of Community Health
Volume 22, Issue 6, 1997, Pages 435-450

Heart disease education and prevention program targeting immigrant Latinos: Using focus group responses to develop effective interventions (Article)

Moreno C. , Alvarado M.* , Balcazar H. , Lane C. , Newman E. , Ortiz G. , Forrest M.
  • a [Affiliation not available]
  • b NHLBI, United States, Natl. Heart, Lung, /Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 31, 31 Center Drive MSC 2480, Bethesda, MD 20892-2480, United States
  • c Department of Community Nutrition, Arizona State University, United States
  • d NHLBI, United States
  • e NHLBI, United States
  • f R.O.W. Sciences Inc., United States
  • g R.O.W. Sciences Inc., United States

Abstract

Although research has provided considerable knowledge concerning the positive effects of behavioral change on morbidity and mortality from heart disease and related risk factors, some segments of the population have not benefited equitably from this information. In April 1995, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) conducted seven focus groups to determine knowledge and attitudes about heart disease and associated risk factors, identify media usage and preferences, and assess publications usage and preferences among Spanish-speaking Latino immigrants residing in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. This information was gathered to assist in the development of key messages and strategies for the NHLBI Latino Community Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Outreach Initiative, Salud para su Corazon - a heart disease prevention and education campaign. Findings from these focus groups indicate that Latinos may not benefit from heart disease prevention messages developed for the general population because of language and cultural differences. The researchers concluded that health education and disease prevention programs targeting the Latino community should develop educational materials and interventions that address language preferences and cultural values. Furthermore, to be effective, these programs should show people how to make positive behavioral changes based on their current circumstances, while remaining sensitive to the fact that Latino immigrants face major life adjustments and many are still greatly influenced by their country of origin.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

ethnic group immigrant normal human education program heart disease cultural factor language Article United States human adult health education
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0030667583&doi=10.1023%2fA%3a1025128615666&partnerID=40&md5=b9eead4245a4d91700b51d15f3b8ec24
DOI: 10.1023/A:1025128615666
ISSN: 00945145
Cited by: 44
Original Language: English