Contemporary Nurse
Volume 53, Issue 3, 2017, Pages 322-334

Migrant caregiving for family members with mild cognitive impairment: an ethnographic study (Article)

Ramsay S.C. , Montayre J. , Egli V. , Holroyd E.*
  • a Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
  • b School of Clinical Sciences, AUT University, 90 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand
  • c Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
  • d Professorial Fellow, School of Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Visiting Professor, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore, CUHK Public Health, School of Clinical Sciences, AUT University, 90 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Background: Migrant families caring for family members with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) face considerable socioeconomic burden and isolation. Aim: To examine the cultural needs, beliefs and health seeking behaviours of migrant Turkish family member caregivers. Design: An ethnographic approach was used employing in depth interviews. Methods: Turkish caregivers residing in Melbourne, Australia were purposively sampled. Ten participants undertook face-to-face interviews in Turkish and English, followed by coding, transcription and thematic analysis. Results: Common themes were: (i) characteristics of MCI; (ii) care complicates our lives; (iii) beneficial coping strategies; (iv) adherence to cultural beliefs; (v) an uncertain future; (vi) interfacing with community health providers: need to understand Turkish culture (vii) need for long-term support. Migrant caregivers voiced undergoing considerable stress exacerbated by their cultural obligations. Conclusions: Establishing ethnically appropriate community support groups and advocating for a health workforce tier of representative migrant health care workers is recommended as a new role for community nurses. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

Mild cognitive impairment caregiving migrant Turkish Community

Index Keywords

Turkey cultural anthropology pilot study Victoria Emigration and Immigration Caregivers Anthropology, Cultural nursing ethnology cognitive defect Pilot Projects caregiver human Humans migration Cognition Disorders
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85022186930&doi=10.1080%2f10376178.2017.1346480&partnerID=40&md5=daa2b69150cd04b8afd77e8f85cb6ffa
DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2017.1346480
ISSN: 10376178
Original Language: English