Gender-Based Challenges Faced by Older Sikh Women as Immigrants: Recognizing and Acting on the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Gender and ethnocultural affiliation can influence people's health beliefs and their ability to make behavioural changes associated with risk reduction. The authors undertook a series of grounded theory studies aimed at describing and explaining how gender and ethnocultural affiliation influence the process that people undergo when faced with the need to make behavioural changes to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, they describe the gender-based influences associated with managing CAD risk in a small sample of older Sikh immigrants to Canada. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, using an interpreter when necessary. Interviews were audio-taped to enable verification of interpretation and transcription. Data were analyzed using constant comparative methods. The core variable that emerged in the series of studies was "meeting the challenge." The process of managing CAD risk included pre-diagnosis or event, liminal or changing self, and living with CAD. Intra-, inter-, and extrapersonal factors as well as sociodemographic characteristics influenced the participants' ability to meet the challenge of managing CAD risk. Health-care providers and policy-makers have a responsibility to work with ethnocultural communities in order to (1) enhance the ability of health-care providers to provide ethnoculturally sensitive care, and (2) develop ethnoculturally relevant resources to enable health promotion and disease prevention. The ultimate aim is to improve health outcomes for Sikh immigrants as vulnerable members of society.