[Hypertension from the perspective of a low-income population: an exploratory study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices].
Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to high blood pressure among adults in a low-income community in Caucaia, Ceará, Brazil, as well as factors influencing their attitudes toward behavioral risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, salt and fat consumption, and lack of physical exercise) were studied. A total of 228 individuals were interviewed using a structured interview protocol. Thirteen focus groups provided a more in-depth analysis of attitudes. According to the findings, the reasons behind behaviors and attitudes are linked to emotions and socioeconomic issues. Behavioral changes involve giving up certain pleasures, for people who are struggling to survive in living conditions imposed by poverty. Living in poverty interferes with the possibility of behavioral change.
Assessoria de Comunicação e Educação em Saúde, Coordenação Regional do Ceará, Fundação Nacional de Saúde, Fortaleza, Brazil. marcia.theophilo@ig.com.br
Márcia Theophilo
MT
Lima
Julia Sursis N Ferro
JS
Bucher
José Wellington de Oliveira
JW
Lima
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D008019:Life Style; D011203:Poverty; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking