title: Engaging women from South Asian communities in cardiac rehabilitation.
abstract: This study sought to describe experiences and perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation among a sample of women from South Asian communities. Data were collected via eight semi-structured interviews with staff and a focus group discussion with nine clients from a community-based, culturally sensitive cardiac rehabilitation service. A number of individual, cultural and practical barriers to participation were identified. Facilitators centred on whether the format and content of the sessions could be considered "appropriate". For example, a women's dance group proved to be successful through the selection of a familiar local venue, supportive session leader, and activity that was felt to be both enjoyable and beneficial. This study has shown that it is possible to engage hard-to-reach groups in cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity. Further work is needed to explore whether this research is applicable in other ethnic groups and whether the lessons learned could be successfully incorporated into mainstream health services.
authors.affiliation: Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. shelina.visram@northumbria.ac.uk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vishram
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Crosland
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Unsworth
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Long
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001459:Bangladesh / Q000208:ethnology; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000208:ethnology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003614:Dance Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010154:Pakistan / Q000208:ethnology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*