Cardiovascular Disease in the Peruvian Andes: Local Perceptions, Barriers, and Paths to Preventing Chronic Diseases in the Cajamarca Region.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Public health interventions can be improved by understanding peoples' explanatory models of disease. We explore awareness and perceptions of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and options for preventative actions in young adults living in rural Andean communities. Methods: We used convenience sampling to select 46 men and women from communities in Cajamarca (Peru). Subjects participated in eight focus groups where they discussed their understanding and perceived causes of CVD as well as barriers and pathways to healthy lifestyles. Results: Fresh foods, physical activity, unpleasant emotions, and healthcare access were cited as important determinants of healthy lifestyles. Barriers to healthy diets included lacking nutritional knowledge, fluctuating food prices,

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Samaniego G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8504254 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature