Gender Barriers to Cardiovascular Prevention: Attitudes and Knowledge of Health Care Professionals and Women Users

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease in women is an issue of epidemiological relevance in Argentina, which should be approached from a holistic perspective. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the imaginary of health system professionals and women users, that could act as a barrier for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in this group. METHODS: Descriptive study that included: interviews to physicians and clue actors, group mechanisms for cardiologists, and surveys to users of public and private cardiology services. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. RESULTS: Professionals perceived some specific features of cardiovascular disease in women, although there were still difficulties for conceptualize and make changes in clinical practices. Class and gender vulnerability was seen as a determinant of cardiovascular risk, under the prevalent paradigm of equality in health care. Female users showed psychosocial risk perception, with differences between beliefs and practices. Some differences were observed between imaginaries of professionals and health system female users. CONCLUSIONS: Some bias between genderrelated imaginary regarding cardiovascular health are still present, and they can hinder the adoption of effective preventive strategies for manage cardiovascular disease in women.By reviewing this, it would be possible to achieve a higher degree of gender equity in terms of prevention quality and health care access.