Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies
Volume 12, Issue 3, 2014, Pages 172-190

Immigration as a Catalyst for Increased Health Awareness: Immigrant Women Define Health and Health Decision Making (Article)

Kushniryk A.* , Titus-Roberts J. , Wertz E.
  • a Mount Saint Vincent University, Department of Communication Studies, Halifax, NS, Canada
  • b Mount Saint Vincent University, Department of Communication Studies, Halifax, NS, Canada
  • c Department of Communication, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, United States

Abstract

In this study we discuss how immigrant women define and maintain health, particularly breast health. Using a grounded theory approach, we conducted twenty in-depth interviews with immigrant women in Canada. The main theme that emerged from the data was immigration as a catalyst for increased health awareness. Three thematic constructs describe how the women maintain health and make health decisions in a nonnative environment: the belief that health is a combination of physical and mental health, independence, and good environment; the belief that culture and relationships influence health decision making; and the belief that health care accessibility impacts health behaviors. © 2014 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

health decision making Health behavior immigrant women Women's health Grounded theory

Index Keywords

Canada decision making health care immigration womens health health belief
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84906350899&doi=10.1080%2f15562948.2013.826843&partnerID=40&md5=c871dbbc349d3fa4770bf4656dcf7d08
DOI: 10.1080/15562948.2013.826843
ISSN: 15562948
Original Language: English