Journal of Transcultural Nursing RSS feed -- OnlineFirst Articles

Stress and Coping in African American Women With Chronic Heart Disease: A Cultural Cognitive Coping Model

Warren-Findlow, J., Issel, L. M. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:55:03 PDT

This article examines the role of stress in relation to heart disease self-care among African American women. Women described a unique stress-coping model: Stress was a cause and contributor to "bad heart" and associated with "not worrying." Family history of heart disease was used as an experiential reference scale to evaluate the severity of women’s heart health. Stress attributions were associated with coping practices to manage the effect of illness through emotion-focused coping and with the physiological worsening of their condition. This model highlights opportunities to reframe stress-coping activities into culturally based heart-healthy practices for African American women.

Understanding the Experience and Manifestation of Depression Among Korean Immigrants in New York City

Shin, J. K. — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:36:39 PDT

Depression among immigrant groups, especially Korean immigrants, has often lacked a comprehensive understanding by the providers of Western health care. This study aims to explore the subjective experience of Korean immigrants suffering from depression during resettlement in the United States. A series of focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with Korean immigrants in New York City who identified themselves as depressed. Participants described their depression as manifested through the feeling of an "unbalanced self" and tended to express dysphoric symptoms in somatic terms. These differences need to be reflected in the assessment and treatment of depression in Korean immigrants.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Swedish Adaptation of the Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals-Revised (IAPCC-R)

Olt, H., Jirwe, M., Gustavsson, P., Emami, A. — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:36:38 PDT

The purpose of this study was to describe the translation, adaption, and psychometric evaluation process in relation to validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the instrument, Inventory for Assessing The Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals–Revised (IAPCC-R) following the translation, adaptation, and psychometric evaluation process. Validity tests were conducted on the response processes (N = 15), the content (N = 7), and the internal structure of the instrument (N = 334). Reliability ( = .65 for the total scale varying between -.01 and .65 for the different subscales) was evaluated in terms of internal consistency. Results indicated weak validity and reliability though it is difficult to conclude whether this is related to adaptation issues or the original construction. The testing of the response process identified problems in relation to respondents’ conceptualization of cultural competence. The test of the content identified a weak correspondence between the items and the underlying model. In addition, a confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the proposed structure of the instrument. This study concludes that this instrument is not valid and reliable for use with a Swedish population of practicing nurses or nursing students.

Differences in Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Hepatitis B Infection and Vaccination Between Adolescents in Juvenile Detention Centers and in Schools in South Korea

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:36:39 PDT

This study explored the level of knowledge and attitudes toward hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and vaccination of adolescents in juvenile detention facilities and in schools in South Korea. A cross-sectional comparison design with a convenient sampling method was used. Participants in the study were 301 delinquent and 410 school adolescents. The results showed that knowledge of HBV infection among juvenile detention adolescents was significantly lower but there was no difference between groups in attitudes toward infection and vaccination.

Self-Perceived Stigma, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Behaviors Among Female Sex Workers in China

Hong, Y., Fang, X., Li, X., Liu, Y., Li, M., Tai-Seale, T. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:48:28 PDT

Data regarding female sex workers’ (FSWs) self-perceived stigma and their mental health are limited, particularly in developing countries. This study, using a cross-sectional survey among 310 FSWs in China, addresses this issue. Data indicate that most of these FSWs had medium to high levels of self-perceived stigma, 30% had elevated depressive symptoms, 18% had suicidal ideation, and 9% had suicidal attempt in the past 6 months. After controlling for potential confounders, FSWs’ high-level self-perceived stigma was significantly associated with their poor mental health. The authors call for culturally appropriate approaches to reduce stigma and promote psychological well-being among this marginalized and vulnerable population.

The Journey Between Western and Indigenous Research Paradigms

Getty, G. A. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:48:28 PDT

This article is an account of the author’s journey as a White researcher preparing to do a community-based participatory action research study with Mi’kmaq men. In this article, a postcolonial approach is examined, interrogating the utility of this theoretical approach in research with Aboriginal people. Next, the foundations of an Indigenous worldview is identified, followed by a debate about the strengths and weaknesses of a critical social theory approach in light of an Indigenous worldview. Finally, lessons about an Indigenous research paradigm including the benefits of using a theoretical approach based on an Indigenous knowledge system are identified.

Perceived Satisfaction With Social Support and Depressive Symptoms in Perinatal Latinas

Sheng, X., Le, H.-N., Perry, D. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:48:28 PDT

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between satisfaction with social support and postpartum depressive symptoms in Latinas. Design: A secondary data analysis of 62 women at "high risk" or "low risk" for postpartum depression (PPD) was conducted during pregnancy and at 1 month postpartum. Results: High-risk Latinas were less satisfied with perceived perinatal support from the baby’s father and postnatal support from family and "others. " Dissatisfaction with postpartum support from the baby’s father was associated with higher depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Dissatisfaction with certain sources of support is related to high risk for PPD. Practice: Health care providers should assess levels and sources of social support as part of their PPD screening.

Interviewing Sub-Saharan Migrants in Switzerland About HIV/AIDS: Critical Reflections on the Interview Process

Bischofberger, I., Roost Vischer, L. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:48:27 PDT

Although research underpinnings for the interview process are often discussed in the scholarly community, reports of explicit experiences about this step are often insufficient or lacking in research publications on migrant health and in the context of HIV/AIDS. The authors highlight the challenges they encountered in conducting qualitative interviews in a multilingual, transcultural setting with Sub-Saharan migrants on HIV prevention and care. The authors discuss challenges and solutions during the conduct of interviews. They particularly highlight strategies on interview conduct, participant focus, and interviewer’s behavior, which supported good quality in their research interviews. The main aim of the article is to critically reflect experiences and to suggest successful methods during interview phases with regard to the migrant setting and the sensitivity of the research topic.

Transnational Cultural Ecologies: Evolving Challenges for Nurses in Canada

Isaacs, S. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:48:27 PDT

Canada is experiencing an evolving cultural ecology as new arrivals of immigrants now realize opportunities for sustaining familiar ties with home countries through advancing technologies and travel. Those arriving will have diverse experiences and preferences, many with opportunities for meeting their health needs elsewhere. For those less privileged, options for health care and health enabling resources are more limited as existing health systems continue to give preference to a dominant culture based on a European heritage—even though, progressively, Canadian society becomes more diverse in its cultural makeup. We as nurses and others engaged in health care systems need to consider our own acculturation processes as we adapt to the changes happening in our society. Systemic approaches to cultural competency in health care need to be considered that enable nurses and other health care providers to be adaptive and resilient in a transnational world.