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African American perceptions of heart disease and nutrition in Arizona
Author(s) -
Winham Donna M,
Ananian Cheryl,
Thompson Sharon V
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.974.8
Subject(s) - medicine , overweight , focus group , gerontology , ethnic group , feeling , disease , environmental health , thematic analysis , demography , obesity , qualitative research , psychology , social psychology , pathology , social science , marketing , sociology , anthropology , business
African Americans have the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in Arizona. The project identified perceptions and knowledge of heart disease among African Americans aged 25–60 years through 15 focus groups (FG). A total of 104 men (44%) and women (56%) completed the focus groups and questionnaires on dietary intakes, behavioral risk factors, neighborhood characteristics, and ethnic identity. Analysis revealed the following qualitative themes: 1) recognition of the role of diet in heart disease etiology; 2) acknowledgment of poor eating habits due to lack of time and money; 3) inability to make traditional foods healthy; 4) healthy foods were readily available in their neighborhoods; 5) feelings of social isolation because African Americans are dispersed over metro Phoenix area. In terms of risk factors, the majority of the sample was overweight or obese. The prevalence of smoking was significantly higher in men (58%) than in women (26%) (p.000). Fifty‐one percent of the men exceeded dietary recommendations for fat intake in comparison to 30% of the women. Few people reported eating Soul Foods regularly, except for greens or fried fish, which were consumed at least 2–3 times per month by 50% of the sample. These findings suggest points to improve health education based on existing knowledge and perceptions. Funding was provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services.