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Heart disease education and prevention program targeting immigrant Latinos: using focus group responses to develop
C Moreno1, M Alvarado, H Balcazar
1National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-2480, USA.
Journal of Community Health
|December 24, 1997
Summary
Heart disease prevention messages need cultural adaptation for Latino immigrants. Tailoring health education to language preferences and cultural values improves effectiveness for this population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Heart disease prevention research shows benefits of behavioral change on morbidity and mortality.
- Certain populations, including Latino immigrants, have not equitably benefited from this knowledge.
- Language and cultural differences may hinder the effectiveness of general health messages for specific communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore knowledge, attitudes, and media/publication preferences regarding heart disease among Spanish-speaking Latino immigrants in the Washington, D.C. area.
- To inform the development of culturally relevant messaging for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Latino Community Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Outreach Initiative.
- To identify strategies for effective heart disease prevention and education campaigns targeting the Latino community.
Main Methods:
- Conducted seven focus groups with Spanish-speaking Latino immigrants in April 1995.
- Assessed participants' knowledge and attitudes about heart disease and risk factors.
- Investigated media and publication usage and preferences within this demographic.
Main Results:
- Latino immigrants face unique barriers to understanding and applying general heart disease prevention information due to language and cultural differences.
- Culturally specific educational materials and interventions are necessary for this population.
- Effective programs must consider immigrants' current circumstances, cultural values, and influences from their country of origin.
Conclusions:
- Health education and disease prevention programs must be tailored to address the specific language preferences and cultural values of the Latino community.
- Interventions should demonstrate behavioral changes relevant to the current circumstances of Latino immigrants.
- Sensitivity to the significant life adjustments and cultural influences impacting Latino immigrants is crucial for program success.