Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and is exacerbated by poor dietary habits, particularly in settings such as women’s prisons. Incarcerated women are often exposed to ultra-processed foods, limited nutritional education, and restricted living conditions that increase their risk of CVD. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the challenges perceived by professionals in a Portuguese women’s prison regarding the prevention of CVD, particularly through dietary interventions. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted using a focus group with six professionals. Data were collected in July 2024 and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Three thematic categories emerged: (1) contextual challenges of the prison system (e.g., sedentary lifestyle, limited food options); (2) socio-cultural resistance to behavioural change (e.g., low adherence to health programmes, use of food as a coping mechanism); and (3) the need for sustainable and interdisciplinary intervention strategies. Conclusions: The findings highlight the complexity of promoting cardiovascular health in female prisoners. Interventions need to take into account mental health support, prisoner autonomy and institutional constraints. Future research should develop and test targeted, context-specific nutrition programmes in similar settings.

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, exacerbated by poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and precarious living conditions. In women’s prisons, diets often rely on ultra-processed foods that are nutrient-poor and high in sodium and fats, increasing cardiovascular risks. The lack of access to healthy options and the absence of nutritional education programs make prevention even more challenging. Additionally, sociocultural and emotional factors negatively influence inmates’ eating habits. Given the scarcity of studies on this relationship, listening to professionals working in this context can help identify specific needs and develop nutritional intervention strategies to promote the health of this population. The main aim of this study is to report on the challenges faced by professionals working in a women’s prison setting in relation to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, particularly in relation to eating habits. Methods: We adopted a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, using the focus group technique to collect data in a Portuguese women's prison, in July 2024. Data saturation was achieved in a single session. The data obtained was analyzed using thematic content analysis, according to Bardin's protocol (2016). Results: Three thematic categories emerged from the subsequent content analysis: 1) Contextual challenges of the prison system; 2) Socio-cultural factors contributing to resistance against behavioral change; and 3) Sustainable intervention strategy. Conclusions: This study highlights the complexity of the female prison system in addressing cardiovascular disease, with a focus on dietary habits. It highlights the significance of a multidisciplinary approach to address these challenges, as well as the urgent need to improve the production of scientific knowledge in this area, with a sense of creating and sustaining more powerful policies and strategies, effective and humanized.