Metabolic Syndrome in African Americans: Views on Making Lifestyle Changes

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Kenya D. Kirkendoll, Emory University; Patricia C. Clark, Emory University; Daurice Grossniklaus, Emory University; Priscilla Igho-Pemu, Morehouse School of Medicine; Rebecca M. Mullis, University of Georgia; Sandra B. Dunbar, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2010-04
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US)
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2010, © SAGE Publications
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.crossref.org/10.1177%2F1043659609357636
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Transcultural Nursing
• ISSN: 1043-6596
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 104
• End Page: 113
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was partially supported by funding from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH (1 U01 HL079156-01) (Dr. Quyyumi, PI) and PHS Grant M01-RR00039 from the Emory General Clinical Research Center, NIH, National Center for Health Resources and PHS Grant UL1 RR025008 from the Clinical and Translational Science Award program, NIH, NCRR and Grant 5P20RR11104 from the (NIH), National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) for the Morehouse Clinical Research Center.
• Keywords: Behavioral change; African American; Focus groups; Metabolic syndrome; Physical activity
• Research Categories: Psychology, Behavioral; Health Sciences, Nursing

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.Methods Three focus groups were conducted with African American adults (n=11) with MetS. Findings Content analysis revealed themes of: Threat of Poor Health, Building Trust with Providers, Gaining Social Support; Seeking Culturally Acceptable Alternatives; and Getting on Track and Staying on Track. Conclusions 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.