Barriers and Facilitators to Adhering to the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 for African American Women Living in Public Housing

African American (AA) women living in public housing have some of the highest risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Limited information exists on this population's perceived barriers and facilitators to achieving optimal heart health and adhering to practices known to lower risk factors for CVD. Six 1.5-hour long focus groups among 32 AA women living in public housing (mean age = 49.9±10.3) were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed. Participants' quotes were analyzed using the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 as a guideline for optimal heart health. Focus groups revealed stress and finances as primary barriers, and family/friends/social support as primary facilitators. Participants also mentioned a lack of community involvement and limited government assistance focused on making healthy foods affordable. The information gained from this study can help future programs more adequately assist this underserved group in pursuing heart healthy behaviors and lowering their disproportionately high CVD risk.