Work

“Sometimes We Can’t Afford the Healthy Stuff”: Perceptions of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Healthy Food Accessibility Among Black Women Living in Public Housing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: African American women living in public housing carry a heavy burden of cardiovascular disease. Eating a heart-healthy diet is crucial to achieving optimal heart health, yet this health disparity population encounters major barriers to healthy eating. This study explored their perceptions of healthy eating and cardiovascular disease. Participants were recruited from public housing in a mid-sized city. Six 2-h focus groups with 32 women were conducted. Focus groups were analyzed using deductive coding. The major focus group findings focused on a limited access to affordable healthy foods. Participants also discussed the use of cost control measures to maximize household food budgets to access healthy foods and the ability to eat healthily. Our findings indicate that food insecurity persists for the populations most at-risk for cardiovascular disease. Plant-based diets may offer a culturally sensitive, innovative, and sustainable approach to reducing heart health risks, alleviating food insecurity, and promoting optimal health outcomes.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22020252

Authors: Alisia Sullivan, India M. Smith, Chanel D. Blue, Brandi M. White

Institution: University of Kentucky

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,016