title: Chinese couples' experiences during convalescence from a first heart attack: a focus group study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper is a report of a study to explore Chinese patients' and partners' experiences during early convalescence from a first heart attack.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  There are important socio-cultural differences between Chinese and western populations and comparatively little is known about the experiences of Chinese patients and partners living with a first heart attack.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted in 2005 with 17 Chinese patients and their partners during convalescence from a first heart attack. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Analysis was used to identify categories using established qualitative phenomenological techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Content analysis of the data revealed five major categories: enduring uncertainty; coping with changes; experiencing emotional reactions; living with medications and needing professional help.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The experiences of Chinese patients and partners during early convalescence from a first heart attack are different from their western counterparts and are affected by cultural traditions. Findings from this study may provide useful pointers for health professionals to deliver culturally sensitive and appropriate support and education during early convalescence.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shannxi, China. sxxawwr@cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: Wenru
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Sek Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chair
authors.forename: Sheila F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Twinn
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D044466:Asian People / Q000208:ethnology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003289:Convalescence / Q000523:psychology; D005191:Family Characteristics / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016896:Treatment Outcome