Exploring parental views and perceptions of cardiovascular health: a qualitative study

Cardiovascular health (CVH) is a critical component of overall health and well-being; however, understanding parents' views and opinions on heart health remains underexplored. Insights from parents are essential for designing interventions that promote intergenerational heart health. The purpose of this study was to examine parental perceptions of CVH and gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives on achieving CVH and the role it plays in lifelong health.

We recruited participants and conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 parents of children under 18 and 4 children. Data were analyzed using thematic coding grounded in the constant comparative method to identify major themes and subthemes. Child interviews were analyzed separately. These interviews provided additional context for understanding how youth conceptualize CVH and insights into family communication on the topic. Thematic saturation was achieved, supporting the sample size's adequacy for qualitative analysis.

Eight overarching themes emerged, including interest in participating in the study, parents' initial thoughts on CVH, definitions of heart health, information sources, family and community roles, heart health experiences, resources, and emotional health connections. Key findings revealed significant barriers to CVH, including limited access to fitness programs and healthy food due to cost and time constraints. While families supported CVH through shared activities, explicit discussions among family members were uncommon. Participants emphasized the impact of stress and negative emotions on heart health, highlighting a potential area for intervention.

These findings highlight the need for flexible, community-based interventions that support CVH by engaging families and incorporating mental health promotion strategies. Effective strategies include enhancing community fitness and nutrition, programs to reduce cost barriers, offering flexible options to accommodate family schedules, and addressing emotional well-being. Healthcare providers can play a key role in these efforts by actively encouraging these strategies during patient interactions.