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

Author

Listed:
  • Alisia Sullivan

    (College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • India M. Smith

    (College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • Chanel D. Blue

    (College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • Brandi M. White

    (College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Alisia Sullivan & India M. Smith & Chanel D. Blue & Brandi M. White, 2025. "“Sometimes We Can’t Afford the Healthy Stuff”: Perceptions of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Healthy Food Accessibility Among Black Women Living in Public Housing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-11, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:2:p:252-:d:1588414
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Digenis-Bury, E.C. & Brooks, D.R. & Chen, L. & Ostrem, M. & Horsburgh, C.R., 2008. "Use of a population-based survey to describe the health of boston public housing residents," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(1), pages 85-91.
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