Abstract
Diet is an essential strategy for the prevention of primary and secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The objectives were to examine: how families at increased risk of CVD perceived personal risk, their motivations to make dietary changes, their understanding of diet, and the influence of other family members. Individuals (>18 years) who completed an Australian family-based CVD risk reduction program were invited to a semi-structured telephone interview. Responses were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a systematic deductive approach with coding derived from key concepts developed as part of the interview structure. Seventeen participants from eight families were interviewed (aged 18–70 years, 47% male, five with CVD diagnosis). Key themes indicated both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to improve heart health, variations in risk perception, recognition of the role diet plays in heart health, and the extent of family influences on eating patterns. Discrepancies between perceived and actual CVD risk perception impacted on perceived “need” to modify current dietary patterns towards heart health recommendations. Therefore, strategies not reliant on risk perception are needed to engage those with low risk perception. This could involve identifying and accessing the family “ringleader” to influence involvement and capitalising on personal accountability to other family members.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and worldwide [1,2]
This study is a qualitative exploration of the FHF study, as more understanding was required in relation to risk perception and the role of family in eating patterns related to CVD health [15]
The Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is a suitable theory for this population at elevated risk for CVD due to family histories of CVD and shared environments, the results demonstrate the importance of understanding risk perception, as variation was seen between perceived and actual CVD risk
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and worldwide [1,2]. Diet is effective in reducing CVD event rates, but altering eating patterns can be challenging [4,5,6]. Many believe their cardiovascular disease is due to bad luck or heredity, or is a short-term problem [7,8]. Factors such as social support and unhelpful social contacts can affect the motivations of those with CVD, and contribute to poor adherence to dietary recommendations [9,10,11].
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