title: Stroke-related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours of chinese and European canadians: implications for physical therapists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To improve cross-cultural health education on risk-reducing behaviour change by examining the stroke-related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours of Chinese Canadians (CCs).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (103 first-generation CCs and 101 European Canadians [ECs] representing the dominant cultural group in Canada) completed a cross-sectional questionnaire about knowledge, health behaviours, and beliefs related to stroke.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with ECs, CCs were less aware of risk factors, warning signs, and appropriate responses to stroke in others. Information sources about stroke included mass media, family, and friends. CCs were less likely to smoke and drink alcohol but were also less likely to be physically active or to participate in structured exercise, less likely to have a healthy diet, and more likely to report stress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Theoretical dimensions of culture may explain variations in stroke-related knowledge, behaviours, and beliefs between CCs and ECs. Awareness of cultural differences can help physical therapists evaluate clients and appropriately tailor lifestyle-related health education.
authors.affiliation: School of Communication and Culture, Royal Roads University, Victoria.
authors.forename: Zhenyi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.
authors.forename: Lyn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jongbloed
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dean
keywords: attitude; health promotion; public health practice; socioeconomic factors; stroke