title: Qatari women living with cardiovascular diseases-challenges and opportunities to engage in healthy lifestyles.
abstract: In Qatar, cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular diseases can be prevented and controlled by modifying lifestyle risk behaviors. In this qualitative study, we investigate ways to increase participation in physical activity, and to promote a healthy diet, and nonsmoking behavior in Qatari women. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 Arabic women. Participation in physical activity, observing a healthy diet, and abstinence from smoking are desirable lifestyle practices among Qatari women. Social support networks, cultural values, religion, changing sociodemographic and economic conditions, heart disease, and a harsh climate affect the ability of these women to pursue a healthy lifestyle.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. tdonnell@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: Tam Truong
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Donnelly
authors.forename: Jassim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Al Suwaidi
authors.forename: Noora Rashid
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Al Enazi
authors.forename: Zeinab
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Idris
authors.forename: Asma Mohammad
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Albulushi
authors.forename: Khadra
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yassin
authors.forename: Asma Mohammad
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rehman
authors.forename: Asma Hassan Abu
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Hassan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018912:Arabs / Q000523:psychology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011780:Qatar / Q000453:epidemiology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors