Exploring the Health Care Challenges and Health Care Needs of Arabic-Speaking Immigrants with Cardiovascular Disease in Australia

Abstract

The Arabic-speaking immigrant group, which makes up the fourth largest language group in Australia, has a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to explore the health care challenges and needs of Arabic-speaking immigrants with cardiovascular disease (CVD), using a comparative approach with English-speaking patients with CVD as the comparable group. Methods: Participants were recruited from community settings in Melbourne, Australia. Face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews were conducted at the recruitment sites. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and coded thematically. Results: 29 participants with CVD were recruited; 15 Arabic-speaking and 14 English-speaking. Arabic-speaking immigrants, and to a lesser extent English-speaking patients with CVD may have specific health care challenges and needs. Arabic-speaking immigrants’ health care needs include: effective health care provider (HCP)-patient communication, accessible care, participation in decision-making, and empowerment. English-speaking participants viewed these needs as important for CVD management. However, only a few English-speaking participants cited these needs as unmet health care needs. Conclusion: This study suggests that Arabic-speaking immigrants with CVD may have unique needs including the need for privacy, effective HCP-patient communication that takes into account patients’ limited English proficiency, and pharmacist-physician collaboration. Therefore, there may be a need to identify a health care model that can address these patients’ health care challenges and needs. This, in turn, may improve their disease management and health outcomes.

Arabic‐speaking male immigrants' perceptions of preventive initiatives: An interview study

“…Amongst Danish women, previous unfavourable experiences with the healthcare system may also influence screening acceptance 13 . Similarly, Abdelmessih and colleagues found that Arabic‐speaking immigrants with poor trust in healthcare systems expressed reluctance towards seeking medical care despite having a CVD diagnosis 14 . Moreover, they found that taking into account language proficiency and health literacy was essential for accessibility 14 .…”

“… 13 Similarly, Abdelmessih and colleagues found that Arabic‐speaking immigrants with poor trust in healthcare systems expressed reluctance towards seeking medical care despite having a CVD diagnosis. 14 Moreover, they found that taking into account language proficiency and health literacy was essential for accessibility. 14 However, these issues are sparsely investigated from ethnic minorities' perspectives, in particular within the context of early CVD detection.…”

“… 14 Moreover, they found that taking into account language proficiency and health literacy was essential for accessibility. 14 However, these issues are sparsely investigated from ethnic minorities' perspectives, in particular within the context of early CVD detection. This is concerning as such knowledge is central for inclusive policies addressing ethnicity‐based inequality in access and health.…”

Support preferences for Arabic people with a chronic condition living in Australia: A descriptive survey

“…Arabs comprise the second largest non–English‐speaking background ethnic group in Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016). Arab migrants have a greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, and other chronic conditions (Abdelmessih, Simpson, Cox, & Guisard, 2019; Zayed, Chebli, Shalabi, Taha, & Abboud, 2020). Despite the high proportion of Arab migrants and high prevalence of chronic disease, Arab people frequently do not access health services when symptoms appear or for ongoing care (Alhomaizi et al, 2018; Salma, Keating, Ogilvie, & Hunter, 2018).…”

“…Despite the high proportion of Arab migrants and high prevalence of chronic disease, Arab people frequently do not access health services when symptoms appear or for ongoing care (Alhomaizi et al, 2018; Salma, Keating, Ogilvie, & Hunter, 2018). It is postulated that one reason for this is associated with the mismatch between the existing services and the needs of Arab people (Abdelmessih et al, 2019; Alananzeh, Levesque, Kwok, & Everett, 2016). Given that engagement with health services is so important to enhance outcomes for those with chronic disease, it is essential to explore the needs of Arab Australians and understand how health services can be adapted to meet these needs.…”