Chinese nurses' perceptions of heart health issues facing women in China: a focus group study.
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.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to obtain the views of nurses regarding heart health issues for women in contemporary China.


METHODS
: This study used focus group interviews.


METHODS
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.
Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
Yingjuan
Y
Cao
Michelle
M
Digiacomo
Hui Yun
HY
Du
Patricia M
PM
Davidson
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002681:China; D004506:Education, Nursing; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D016387:Women's Health