Abstract
Purpose: Healthcare utilization and health-seeking behaviors of Chinese American immigrant women may be influenced by longstanding cultural perspectives of family roles and relationships. An understanding of Chinese immigrant women's perceptions of family social support in health and how these beliefs manifest in healthcare utilization and help-seeking behaviors is critical to the development of culturally appropriate health interventions. Focusing on a sample of Chinese women in Chicago's Chinatown, this qualitative study seeks to describe women's attitudes and beliefs about spouse and adult children's involvement in women's health and healthcare. Methods: We conducted six focus groups among 56 Chinese-speaking adult women in Chicago's Chinatown between July and August 2014. Focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for emergent themes. Results: Women reported that their adult children supported their health and healthcare utilization by helping them overcome language and transportation barriers, making and supporting decisions, and providing informational and instrumental support related to diet and nutrition. Women viewed these supports with mixed expectations of filial piety, alongside preferences to limit dependency and help-seeking because of concern and emotional distress regarding burdening adult children. Women's expectations of the spouse involvement in their healthcare were low and were shaped by avoidance of family conflict. Conclusion: Findings inform opportunities for the development of culturally appropriate interventions to enhance Chinese immigrant women's health and healthcare. These include patient navigation/community health worker programs to promote self-management of healthcare and family-centered strategies for enhancing family social support structures and reducing family conflict.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 182-192 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Health Equity |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2018 |
Funding
This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute (grants R01CA163830, R34MH100393, and U54CA203000). The sponsors did not participate in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; or preparation, review, or approval of the article and the decision to submit the article for publication. The authors wish to also acknowledge the Simon Lab; the Chinese Health, Aging, and Policy Program; and the Chinatown Community Advisory Board who have provided invaluable input. Dr. Simon and Laura Tom had full access to all the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. All authors declare no conflicts of interest, including relevant financial interests, activities, relationships, and affiliations. Melissa Simon is a member of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This article does not necessarily represent the views and policies of the USPSTF.
Keywords
- elderly
- family health
- immigrant health
- qualitative research
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Health Information Management
- Health Policy
