Using Community-Based Participatory Research Methods to Inform the Development of Medically Tailored Food Kits for Hispanic/Latine Adults with Hypertension: A Qualitative Study

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan is the most effective dietary intervention for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but it excludes the consideration of culture and cost. The Hispanic/Latine population is disproportionately affected by CVD, with risks increasing if persons are accustomed to a Westernized diet. This research aims to understand the cultural dietary practices aligned with a DASH eating plan and the social determinants of health impacting fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption among immigrant Hispanic/Latine individuals at a community-based clinic in Minnesota. Utilizing community-based participatory research methods, a community survey informed the development of DASH-focused, medically tailored food kits of varying F/V modalities. Qualitative feedback was sought out regarding the kits when presented to 15 individuals during in-depth interview sessions to validate the cultural appropriateness of food kits for clinical use. Box A was the highest rated kit (66.7%) and consisted of fresh F/V. The average F/V consumption per day was 2.6 ± 1.4 servings. The food insecurity questionnaires showed high/marginal (40%), low (53.3%), and very low (6.7%) food security. The barriers to consuming F/V were money, time, and transportation. Understanding cultural dietary practices related to the DASH eating plan is necessary to mitigate CVD risk and provide inclusive medical nutrition therapy for Hispanic/Latine populations.