Perceptions and Motivations to Prevent Heart Disease among Puerto Ricans

Abstract

Objectives We performed a qualitative assessment of Puerto Ricans’ knowledge and perceptions of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and motivations/barriers and preferences to participate in community/ clinical programs for CVD-prevention. Methods Four guided focus group discussions were conducted on a total of 24 Puerto Ricans, aged 40–60 years in Boston, MA. Results Participants were aware of CVD, but less knowledgeable about its prevention. They perceived it as serious, and either had CVD or knew someone who had it. They favored education and activities on nutrition, exercise, clinical advice, and social interaction, in weekly/ biweekly small-group sessions with other Latinos, led in Spanish by a familiar health professional, in a convenient community location. Age- and culture-specific program content and educational materials were preferred. A theme emerged on ‘personal or family motivations’ such as to become healthier and live longer so they would feel better and support their families, or to learn about CVD-prevention. Main barriers included family obligations, weather, safety concerns, transportation, and depressive mood. Conclusions Culturally-tailored CVD-prevention programs for Puerto Ricans should include multiple behavioral and social approaches, and draw on intrinsic motivators while reducing barriers to help enhance efficacy and sustainability.

¡Ojo! What to expect in recruiting and retaining older Latinos in physical activity programs

“…Some challenges we encountered, such as, weather, transportation, and health-related challenges had been previously reported in younger Latinos [27,28] or non-Latino white older adults [29,30], however, in our three studies we found them to be frequent among older Latinos as well. For example, the weather was a major challenge for the BAILAMOS study but was not a challenge for ¡En Forma y Fuerte!…”

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“…According to a qualitative analysis by Mattei et al in the United States (N=24), the prevention of CVD is assisted by health education, healthcare and therapy in health and via social media. 19 On the basis of a qualitative study conducted in Kandula (n=36), patients are helped to improve actions, such as smoking, unhealthy diet and excessive consumption of alcohol. Patient therapy also encompasses multiple aspects that facilitate good health between patients and the community as different caregivers, such as nutritionists, nurses, physiotherapists and physicians, may provide counseling.…”

Challenges and opportunities in establishing a collaborative multisite observational study of chronic diseases and lifestyle factors among adults in Puerto Rico

“…Other studies have suggested that Latinos have a strong willingness and trust to participate in biomedical studies, and are motivated by the perceived importance of the study topic and a desire to acquire and contribute to new knowledge [ 61 , 63 – 65 ]. While material incentives are not always a strong motivation for participation in health programs among Puerto Ricans [ 66 ], they should be fair and commensurate to the time and effort of the study [ 60 ]. Additional incentives such as health literature or services, transportation, raffles, food, or pastime activities, may also be valuable [ 61 , 66 ].…”

“…While material incentives are not always a strong motivation for participation in health programs among Puerto Ricans [ 66 ], they should be fair and commensurate to the time and effort of the study [ 60 ]. Additional incentives such as health literature or services, transportation, raffles, food, or pastime activities, may also be valuable [ 61 , 66 ].…”