I really want to know what is wrong with my heart and what should I do a qualitative study of information needs among Chinese immigrants

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The health information needs of immigrants who have heart disease are poorly understood, despite the important role of patient knowledge in improving symptom recognition and control, prevention, and health-rated outcomes. Purpose This study explored disease-related information needs among Chinese immigrants with heart disease. Methods The study followed an exploratory qualitative design. Immigrants with heart disease from Chinese community associations in Sydney, Australia were recruited to participate in the interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Participants (n=20) were aged mean 75±7 years and had lived in Australia for mean 16 ± 8 years. The majority were female (65%), and had poor English language proficiency (95%), poor self-reported health (90%). Two main themes generated from interviews were related to culture and language influence in terms of accessing and interpreting health information. Other themes were primarily related to deficits, in heart disease-related knowledge, understanding of the healthcare system, and health information resources. Conclusions Immigrants with heart disease in this study have multiple health information and education needs related to personal and system factors inadequately addressed by healthcare services. Culturally and linguistic appropriate health information and support services are recommended to improve disease knowledge and appropriate use of healthcare services.