Understanding Prevention and Management of Coronary Heart Disease Among Chinese Immigrants and Their Family Carers: A Socioecological Approach

Jin, Kai; Neubeck, Lis; Koo, Fung; Ding, Ding; Gullick, Janice

Abstract

Introduction: Health disparities among immigrants exist across socioecological domains. While Chinese immigrants face increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) after migration, the reasons are not well understood. Method: This descriptive qualitative study collected 18 semistructured interviews with Chinese immigrants with CHD and family carers from two Australian hospitals. Analysis was guided by the social–ecological model. Results: Poor knowledge and limited English proficiency increased CHD risk and difficulty navigating health care systems/resources. Interpersonal and family factors positively influenced health-seeking behaviors, acceptance of cardiac procedures, adoption of secondary preventive behaviors and information acquisition through social networks. A lack of culturally specific health information and programs in Chinese languages was described. Ethnic concordance between Chinese doctors and patients improved health literacy and engendered trust. Discussion: Culturally specific interventions could include health promotion materials in Chinese, inclusion of family in educational programs, and Chinese-focused public health campaigns about warning signs of heart attack.

Citation

Jin, K., Neubeck, L., Koo, F., Ding, D., & Gullick, J. (2020). Understanding Prevention and Management of Coronary Heart Disease Among Chinese Immigrants and Their Family Carers: A Socioecological Approach. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 31(3), 257-266. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659619859059

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jul 3, 2019
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Deposit Date: Dec 17, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Transcultural Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1043-6596
• Electronic ISSN: 1552-7832
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 31
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 257-266
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659619859059
• Keywords: acute coronary syndrome, coronary heart disease, Chinese immigrants, social–ecological model, myocardial infarction, primary prevention, secondary prevention, health promotion, cardiac rehabilitation, limited English proficiency
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1959388