ERIC Number: EJ1025786
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Perspectives of Puerto Rican Adults about Heart Health and a Potential Community Program
Todorova, Irina L. G.; Tejada, Shirley; Castaneda-Sceppa, Carmen
American Journal of Health Education, v45 n2 p76-85 2014
Background: Puerto Ricans are the second largest Hispanic group in the United States, and older adults have significant health disparities. Educational programs that address heart disease risk for this population have rarely been developed and implemented. Purpose: To address this gap, the Heart Healthy Initiative for Puerto Rican adults is being developed. To develop it as a participatory program, the community members were asked about their perspectives. Methods: Five focus groups with 28 participants, aged 45 to 60, were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. In-depth analysis of meanings of health-promoting behaviors in the context of cultural beliefs and values was carried out. Results: The following themes were identified: health as balance and integration; health as connection of self, connection with others; cultural meanings of lifestyle choices; stresses and struggles. Participants suggested that the program should have significant variety and a holistic perspective, be sensitive to different needs and motivations, and stimulate mutual understanding and shared cultural meanings. Discussion: The program needs to support lifestyle changes that maximally preserve traditions and to introduce multilevel changes. Translation to Health Education Practice: The identified cultural meanings of diet, physical activity, and relationships were taken into account to develop the educational curriculum.
Descriptors: Puerto Ricans, Risk, Older Adults, Diseases, Health Promotion, Health Behavior, Focus Groups, Cultural Influences, Life Style, Stress Variables, Physical Activities, Heart Disorders, Self Concept, Dietetics, Community Programs, Cultural Awareness, Holistic Approach
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A