Perspectives of Puerto Rican Adults About Heart Health and a Potential Community Program

BACKGROUND: Puerto Ricans are the second largest Hispanic group in the U.S. 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 45-60, 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, stimulate mutual understanding and shared cultural meanings. DISCUSSION: The program needs to support lifestyle changes which maximally preserve traditions and to introduce multi-level 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.