China is in a state of rapid economic growth and epidemiological transition. Morbidity and mortality relating to heart disease in women have increased dramatically.
The aim of this study was to obtain the views of nurses regarding heart health issues for women in contemporary China.
This study used focus group interviews.
Convenience sampling was used to recruit nurses working in acute care hospitals in metropolitan China.
Five focus groups containing 28 female participants were conducted. Focus groups were moderated by 2 bilingual Chinese nurses, audiotaped, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Four themes emerged from the focus group data: (1) mixed perceptions of disease burden in women, (2) modern life impacts upon women's health, (3) need for focus on prevention and coordination, and (4) education and support are keys to driving healthcare improvements.
Heart disease, as a significant health issue for women in China, is underappreciated among Chinese nurses.
Background: China is in a state of rapid economic growth and epidemiological transition. Morbidity and mortality relating to heart disease in women have increased dramatically. Objectives: The aim of this study was to obtain the views of nurses regarding heart health issues for women in contemporary China. Design: This study used focus group interviews. Settings: Convenience sampling was used to recruit nurses working in acute care hospitals in metropolitan China. Methods: Five focus groups containing 28 female participants were conducted. Focus groups were moderated by 2 bilingual Chinese nurses, audiotaped, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the focus group data: (1) mixed perceptions of disease burden in women, (2) modern life impacts upon women's health, (3) need for focus on prevention and coordination, and (4) education and support are keys to driving healthcare improvements. Conclusions: Heart disease, as a significant health issue for women in China, is underappreciated among Chinese nurses. www.jcnjournal.com
Yingjuan Cao, RN, BMedSc Fellow of Chinese Nursing Association, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Province, P.R. China; and Doctoral Candidate, Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
Michelle DiGiacomo, PhD, MHSc(Hons) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
Hui Yun Du, BN (Hons) Doctoral Candidate, Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
Patricia M. Davidson, RN, PhD, MEd Professor of Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
Corresponding author Patricia M. Davidson, RN, PhD, MEd, Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, 39 Regent St, Chippendale, Sydney 2008, Australia (p.davidson@curtin.edu.au).
