Critical Lessons in Tailoring Interventions: Listening to WISEWOMAN Participants

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction is critical for middle-aged women.
• Low-income and un-/under-insured women face unique barriers to healthcare access and lifestyle modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore participant perspectives on challenges and facilitators in reducing CVD risk within the Pennsylvania WISEWOMAN (PA-WISE) program.
• To understand the experiences of low-income, un-/under-insured middle-aged women engaged in health coaching and lifestyle programs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data collection over two years as part of a larger program evaluation.
• Individual telephone interviews conducted with 38 women across four time points.
• Grounded theory approach with iterative coding, data display, and reanalysis to identify themes.

Main Results:

• Participants recognized benefits of PA-WISE program features.
• Significant challenges identified include financial constraints, demanding schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and lack of social support.
• These factors impeded lifestyle changes and program engagement.

Conclusions:

• Interventions for this demographic must offer flexibility, options, and tailored support.
• The identified challenges remain relevant for addressing CVD risk in vulnerable populations, even post-pandemic.