Lives of rural women after myocardial infarction.
This study examines the influences of rurality on the lives of women post-myocardial infarction (MI). Using a critical ethnographic approach, the researchers analyze in-depth interviews with 12 women from southwestern Ontario, Canada, for the ways in which their experiences were related to social, political, and cultural forces associated with rurality. Data analysis revealed 4 themes: reticence, characterized by a tendency to minimize worry and accept one's life post-MI; referral games, or the challenges associated with accessing tertiary care; resourcefulness in managing one's recovery; and relationships, with rural health professionals and institutions being highly valued. The findings have relevance for nurses in both rural and urban settings who care for women post-MI and form a basis for supporting and building culturally specific post-MI care.
Caldwell
Patricia
P
Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. caldwep@mcmaster.ca
Arthur
Heather M
HM
Rideout
Elizabeth
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009864:Ontario; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D016387:Women's Health