A health-focused NGO’s challenges in preventing cardiovascular diseases amongst South African millennials

Abstract

Health-focused Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play an important role in educating people about health. However, there is a  paucity of research on the challenges experienced by health-focused NGOs in South Africa. The lack of research limits their opportunity to  promote good health, particularly cardiovascular health amongst millennials who have become increasingly vulnerable to heart  diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) in preventing  cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) amongst South African millennials. A qualitative research approach was applied involving semi-structured interviews conducted with six HSFSA staff who were purposively sampled. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed through  thematic analysis yielding two dominant themes: HSFSA experiences challenges about limited budget, and appropriately engaging  millennials in preventing CVDs. The study concludes that these issues deepen poor health literacy about CVDs amongst South African  millennials, thus increasing their susceptibility to lifestyle-related diseases.