Aim: To identify factors that facilitate behaviours that should lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) or stroke prevention in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Method: Focus groups (face-to-face and via videoconference) with people from four CALD communities, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed in NVivo using deductive thematic analysis. Themes were mapped to the capability (C), opportunity (O), and motivation (M) – behaviour (B), COM-B framework for behaviour change (1).
Results: Nine focus groups (comprising 38 people from Arabic, Farsi, Chinese and Vietnamese-speaking communities with risk factors for, or history of, CVD or stroke) were conducted. Focus group meetings lasted 67 minutes (range 49 to 90) on average. Eight key themes were identified. Perceptions of risk, knowledge and awareness of disease and prevention strategies, fear of health consequences and understanding the benefits of healthy habits may positively influence the communities’ capability to engage in preventive behaviours. Tailoring the delivery and content of CVD or stroke prevention education to community needs was perceived as important in optimising engagement and learning. The communities emphasised the power of sharing experiences, learning from others, and staying motivated through group engagement, whether in person or through digital platforms. Creating sustainable, realistic health habits that fit within their context, emphasising the importance of ongoing motivation, reminders, and time management to help individuals stay committed to their health goals.
Conclusion: Empowering CALD communities to prevent CVD and stroke requires culturally tailored interventions that build knowledge, foster peer support, and strengthen motivation for sustained healthy behaviours.