Cardiovascular Disease in the Peruvian Highlands: Local Perceptions, Barriers, and Paths to Preventing Chronic Diseases in Andean Adults

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 preventive actions in young rural adults highlanders. Methods 46 men and women from communities in Cajamarca, Peru were purposively selected to participate in eight focus groups, where participants 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, and limited access to foodstuffs. Women felt particularly vulnerable to CVD and identified gendered barriers to manage stress and engage in leisure sports. Low health literacy, distance and poor doctor-patient relationships prevented participants from fully accessing healthcare. Conclusions CVD prevention should consider local knowledge of these diseases and of healthy lifestyles and harness ongoing programmes that have successfully promoted good nutrition in children and pregnant women. In concert with public-private parterships, governments should include health prevention for the entire family.