The experiences of female spouses of survivors of acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study of Lebanese-born women in south-western Sydney, Australia.
Lebanese migrants form a significant proportion of the population in southwestern Sydney (SWS), and in New South Wales, Australia. This pilot study was undertaken in south-western Sydney, a rapidly expanding and socioeconomically disadvantaged region, to explore the experiences of English speaking women of Lebanese origin whose spouses had recently experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Lebanese-born women at 2- and 4-week intervals, following the discharge of their husbands from hospital. Qualitative analysis of narrative text revealed four distinct themes. These were: struggle to resolve distress; intensive monitoring of the AMI survivor; searching for avenues of support; and reflecting on the future. Study findings are discussed in relation to the literature. Implications for nursing practice and research are drawn from study findings.
Daly
J
J
Division of Nursing, Faculty of Health, University of Western Sydney Macarthur, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.
Jackson
D
D
Davidson
P M
PM
Wade
V
V
Chin
C
C
Brimelow
V
V
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003289:Convalescence / Q000523:psychology*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000208:ethnology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000208:ethnology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018454:Spouses / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*