Understanding cardiovascular disease in day-to-day living for African people: a qualitative metasynthesis

Abstract

Background Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 45% of all chronic non-communicable disease deaths and 31% of all deaths. CVD has remained the primary cause of death in the world for the past fifteen years. Compared to other continents, CVD and its risk factors are highly prevalent in Africa, but the continent also displays a low-level of knowledge and awareness of CVD, and poor perception of its risk factors. Little research has been done on the connection between the daily lived experiences of African people and the high prevalence and poor perception of CVD and its risk factors on the African continent. The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the daily, lived experiences of African people and the connections between these experiences and the prevention, control, and management of CVD and its risk factors. Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psych INFO, and Web of Science databases to identify published English qualitative studies of CVD and its risk factors. Qualitative metasynthesis included structured techniques of data immersion and quality appraisal, thematic synthesis, and reciprocal translation. Results Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Four major themes were identified from the metasynthesis: 1) understanding and beliefs about CVD; 2) perceived causes/risk factors for CVD; 3) understanding and belief about obesity; 4) perceived treatment options for CVD. The metasynthesis identified a consistent disconnect among African people between seeing CVD as a deadly and chronic disease and their perceptions of the minimal signs and symptoms of the disease in the early stages. This was further compounded by the gap between traditional healers and health care professionals. Conclusions Perceptions of CVD, its risk factors, and treatments were influenced by religious and cultural factors. Given the minimal signs and symptoms experienced in the early stages of the disease, there was a consistent disconnect among African people between seeing CVD as a deadly and chronic illness. Further investigations of the religious and cultural influences and educational programs related to these areas of disconnect are needed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of African people.

Perceived cardiovascular disease risk and tailored communication strategies among rural and urban community dwellers in Rwanda: A qualitative study

“…Nigeria [15], South Africa [9] and America [16]. Moreover, stress was cited as the most perceived cause of heart disease in a recent qualitative meta-synthesis on CVD [17]. Stress in this study was linked to nancial constraint to afford basic needs, similar to a report of perceptions of heart-healthy behaviour among African American adults [16].…”

Perceived cardiovascular disease risk and tailored communication strategies among rural and urban community dwellers in Rwanda: a qualitative study

“…Stress which was perceived by most study participants to be a risk factor for CVD, was also reported by study participants in Kenya [ 14 ], Nigeria [ 15 ], South Africa [ 10 ] and America [ 16 ]. Moreover, stress was cited as the most perceived cause of heart disease in a recent qualitative meta-synthesis on CVD [ 17 ]. Stress in this study was linked to financial constraint to afford basic needs, similar to a report of perceptions of heart-healthy behaviour among African American adults [ 16 ].…”

Multi-country collaborative citizen science projects to co-design cardiovascular disease prevention strategies and advocacy: findings from Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, and South Africa

“…Qualitative studies in SSA settings have shown that community perception and understanding of the concept of CVD risk could be a barrier to the uptake of population-based CVD risk prevention interventions including screening and care [ 6 – 8 ]. A recent qualitative meta-synthesis reported a disconnect between daily lived experiences of African people and perception of CVD, its risk factors, and indicated that treatment options were influenced by religious and cultural factors [ 9 ].…”