Barriers and facilitators to adhering to the american heart association’s life’s simple 7 for african american women living in public housing

India Smith, Brandi M. White

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

African American (AA) women living in public housing have some of the highest risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Limited information exists on this popula-tion’s perceived barriers and facilitators to achieving optimal heart health and adhering to practices known to lower risk factors for CVD. Six 1.5-hour long focus groups among 32 AA women living in public housing (mean age = 49.9±10.3) were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed. Participants’ quotes were analyzed using the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 as a guideline for optimal heart health. Focus groups revealed stress and finances as primary barriers, and family/friends/social support as primary facilitators. Participants also mentioned a lack of community involvement and limited government assistance focused on making healthy foods affordable. The information gained from this study can help future programs more adequately assist this underserved group in pursuing heart healthy behaviors and lowering their disproportionately high CVD risk.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2012-2029
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Meharry Medical College.

Keywords

  • African American
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Health disparities
  • Heart disease
  • Public housing
  • Social conditions
  • Stress
  • Women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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