Barriers and motivators to a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of heart disease : a cross-sectional survey of women

Abstract

Background: Heart disease is the leading cause of death, both locally and worldwide. The indications arc that heart disease is on the rise amongst women, whilst being on the decrease amongst men. A healthy lifestyle, which incorporates a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help in reducing the risk for heart disease. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the motivators and barriers that women tend to find when adopting healthy lifestyles for the prevention of coronary heart disease. Design: A descriptive survey design was used. Settings: Data collection was carried out at the Gynaecology Clinic at 3 health centres in Malta. Participants: A convenience sample of 40 women was obtained after being approached by the gynaecology nursing staff and later by the researcher after the participant's own consent for participation was given. Method: Quantitative data was collected through structured interviews. Results: Forty of the 45 potential participants approached participated in the study. The majority of women in the study were aged between 50 and 59 years, had a secondary level of education, were caregivers to their family members and were not gainfully employed. The strongest perceived motivators and barriers by women were; personal motivators: body image (n=40), ability and skill in preparing healthy food dishes (n=40) and the need to stay healthy or improve current health status (n=40); social motivator: women's role as primary caregivers within the family (n=40); educational motivator: knowledge on the perceived benefits of a healthy lifestyle (n=40); psychological motivator: positive feelings generally provided by a healthy lifestyle (n=40); environmental motivator: dining at home (n=40); financial barrier: cost of exercise facilities and equipment (n=33). Educational motivators and financial barriers were the most common factors considered by women to affect their adoption of healthy lifestyles. Conclusion: In general, women in the study perceived more motivators than barriers which could eventually exert positive attitudes and behaviours towards a healthy lifestyle. The results of this study identified ways in which women could be supported to adopt healthy lifestyle practices and how health promotions strategies could be developed and implemented, targeting mostly women in care giving roles since they tend to influence lifestyle choices of their family members. In light of these results along with women's self-identified needs, recommendations for health promotion, environmental developments, health care professionals, media usage and community activities are suggested. Recommendations for further research include studies that focus on women's actual health behaviours in relation to a healthy diet and exercise.