The meaning of social support: The perspective of Arab Canadians with congestive heart failure.

Abstract

The incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) rises annually and, despite advances in medical treatments, the prognosis remains poor. Since CHF has no cure, the treatment is mostly supportive symptom management and prevention of exacerbation. Studies examining the impact of social support on CHF have found that social support helps to prevent hospitalization and helps patients with CHF adhere to the prescribed medication and lifestyle changes. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of social support to Arab Canadians with CHF. The Arab immigrant population is at risk of many health problems because of traumas associated with the immigration experience and limited knowledge of a complex health care system. The qualitative method of particularistic ethnography was used to gain a better understanding of the meaning of support in this cultural group. In depth, semi-structured, audio-taped interviews were conducted with a sample of 7 Lebanese Christian participants. The data analysis revealed 3 themes: "My family will take care of me"; "I rely on God"; and The illness is not important. Nursing implications and recommendations have been proposed to address the needs of this cultural group.