title: Metabolic syndrome in African Americans: views on making lifestyle changes.
abstract: This study explores African American adults' understanding of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and their motivations for making lifestyle changes. African Americans have a greater risk for components of MetS, such as hypertension. Three focus groups were conducted with African American adults (n = 11) with MetS. Content analysis revealed five themes: Threat of Poor Health, Building Trust With Providers, Gaining Social Support, Seeking Culturally Acceptable Alternatives, and Getting on Track and Staying on Track. Lifestyle interventions for African Americans with MetS need to focus on building trust, developing self-monitoring skills, social support, and identifying low-cost/convenient opportunities for physical activity.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA.
authors.forename: Kenya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kirkendoll
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Daurice
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grossniklaus
authors.forename: Pricilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Igho-Pemu
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mullis
authors.forename: Sandra B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Dunbar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003469:Culture; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009752:Nutritional Status; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology