Mobile Logo in White

Perceptions, Coping, and Appraisal of South Asians with CAD

Primary Author: Rozmin B. Jiwani, PhD, RN
Co-Principal Investigators/Collaborators: N/A
Organization: University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio

 

 

 

Abstract

Purpose

To examine illness perceptions, coping behaviors and appraisal of South Asians (SA) with coronary artery disease (CAD) using Leventhal Self-Regulation Model. 

Background

Mortality rates for coronary artery disease have declined in the United States (Go et al., 2014). Rates of decline, however, are slower for ethnic minorities including South Asians (Go et al., 2014). Increased premature incidences and mortality related to CAD are documented in SA (Yusuf et al., 2004). There is a paucity of evidenced-based research on how to implement and disseminate health promotion and disease prevention programs targeted at this ethnic minority to reduce and control CAD morbidity and mortality.

Materials & Methods

Mixed methods design was used engaging 102 SA with CAD using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling. Data was collected in person or by telephone. Survey questionnaires included: Demographics, Health History, Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, and the Modified Coping Behavior. Twenty participants were interviewed prior to completing questionnaires. Survey questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. 

Results

Of the 102 participants, 52.9% were from India, 42.2% from Pakistan, and 4.9% from Bangladesh. The mean age was 62 (SD = 11.2 years) and the age at CAD was 53.1 (SD = 9.9). The majority of participants (77.5%) had less than a high school education, 60.8% communicated in native languages (Hindi/ Urdu) and 35% lacked health insurance. Participants with college educations and a higher income had an increased premature onset of CAD. A majority of participants, especially younger, perceived diet, heredity and stress as the most important causes of their CAD. Males, younger SA and participants living in the US ≥10 years were more engaged in unhealthy coping prior to and after their CAD. Qualitative findings were congruent and further explained the survey results.

Conclusion

Overall, Leventhal's model provided opportunities for further research. The continued research focused on development of evidence-based interventions is needed to overcome premature incidences of CAD in this group. 

 

Bibliography

  • Go, S., Mozaffarian D., Roger, L., Benjamin, J., Berry, D., Blaha, J., . . . Turner, B. (2014). Heart disease and stroke statistics--2014 update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 129(3), e28-e292. doi: 10.1161/01.CIR. 0000441139.02102.80
  • Yusuf, S., Hawken, S., Ounpuu, S., Dans, T., Avezum, A., Lanas, F., . . . Lisheng, L. (2004). Effect of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with myocardial infarction in 52 countries (the INTERHEART study): Case-control study. Lancet, 364(9438), 937-952. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(04)17018-9

© Improvement Science Research Network, 2012

The ISRN published this as received and with permission from the author(s).