Abstract
BackgroundPersons identifying as Black, Chinese, or South Asian make up the largest minority groups in Canada. Individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF) from these groups experience a greater rate of re-hospitalization and poorer quality of life. Although experts agree that culture can shape the experience of CHF, little is known about how patients from these minority populations define a good quality of life with CHF and what barriers they experience when carrying out self-care behaviours. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine cultural and gender-based influences on quality of life in patients with CHF.MethodsPurposive sampling included 30 patients (67% male), 18 to 75 years of age, who self-identified as Black (n = 8), Chinese (n = 9), or South Asian (n = 6). Caucasians (n = 7) were included as a comparison group. Semi-structured interviews (see the online appendix), lasting approximately 60 min, were conducted, which focused on personal understanding of CHF and living with the disease, including impact on lifestyle and quality of life. An inductive qualitative approach with thematic content analysis was used to develop key insights into individual experience of CHF, as well as cultural and gender-based influences on self-care and quality of life. Descriptive statistics were generated from questionnaire responses.ResultsFive key themes emerged from the narrative analysis of participant interviews: (i) CHF as an emergent reality, (ii) quality of life and disruption of lifecourse milestones, (iii) the challenge to accept CHF and re-evaluation of quality of life; (iv) impact on social activities essential to quality of life, and (v) life with CHF as a commitment to culturally tailored self-care. Participants described the unique impact of CHF on their quality of life, including life trajectory milestones such as dating, parenting, and retirement planning, as well as the importance of accepting their diagnosis, and the reframing goals for living well with heart failure. Positive and negative impacts on social relationships were noted, including sexual intimacy and interactions with spouses, other family members, and co-workers.ConclusionsStudy findings highlight important lifespan, cultural, and gender considerations that can inform the improvement of patient care and quality of life for patients and their families.
Highlights
Persons identifying as Black, Chinese, or South Asian make up the largest minority groups in Canada
The sample was diverse in terms of age, sex, chronic heart failure (CHF) chronicity, and ethnic background
The KCCQ score was consistent with mild to moderate functional limitation that is common with CHF [11]
Summary
Persons identifying as Black, Chinese, or South Asian make up the largest minority groups in Canada. Individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF) from these groups experience a greater rate of re-hospitalization and poorer quality of life. Experts agree that culture can shape the experience of CHF, little is known about how patients from these minority populations define a good quality of life with CHF and what barriers they experience when carrying out self-care behaviours. Self-care for CHF includes adhering to prescribed medications, monitoring symptoms and weight, restricting fluid and sodium intake, following a heart healthy diet, and exercising regularly [4]. Patients of visible minority groups may not have as much information about their CHF and its treatment as compared to Caucasian patients [6] As such, it can be more difficult for them to follow recommended self-care guidelines for CHF management [6]. Some patients might have trouble reconciling their cultural preferences (e.g., traditional foods that are high in sodium) with heart healthy ones (e.g., salt-restricted diet) [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
