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The first 12 weeks following discharge from hospital
The experience of Gujarati South Asian survivors of myocardial infarction and their families
Rosemary A Webster
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Coronary Care Unit
Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
David R Thompson
Professor of Nursing; Director, Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Patricia M Davidson
Professor of Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University of Technology, Sydney Campus, NSW
Abstract
The period following discharge from hospital after an acute myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with vulnerability and psychosocial and physical morbidity for many survivors and their families. It is reported that people experience interpersonal, family and financial problems, self-care obstacles, work and physical difficulties. Culture and ethnicity undeniably influence the illness experience and the process of recovery and adjustment. This study investigated the perceptions of Gujarati survivors of acute MI and their families in Leicester, United Kingdom in the first 12 weeks following discharge in order to develop a profile of their health seeking beliefs and needs.
Thirty-one interviews with 19 Gujarati MI survivors and their families (representing approximately 31 hours of dialogue) were analysed using grounded theory. Qualitative data revealed a period of vulnerability not only for survivors but also their families as they processed recent events and faced the future. Data analysis revealed nine interrelated themes describing the post-discharge experience for Gujarati survivors and their families. Data revealed that normal life was often markedly changed by the MI experience. Reflection, contemplation and resignation characterize this period of vulnerability. Overwhelmingly, data analysis revealed that the Gujarati culture, beliefs and customs influenced the recovery experience.
Keywords
Gujarati, acute myocardial infarction, recovery, cultural competence
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