Cultural factors facilitating cardiac rehabilitation participation among Canadian South Asians: A qualitative study

PURPOSE: South Asians experience high rates of cardiovascular disease, yet participate in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) at low rates. Drawing on the Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation (PRECEDE) model, this qualitative descriptive study sought to identify cultural factors facilitating South Asians' participation in CR programs. METHODS: Two semistructured interviews were conducted with each of 16 Canadian South Asian participants enrolled in a 12-month CR program. Transcribed data were analyzed for common themes, and categorized in terms of predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors. RESULTS: Primary cultural facilitators included descriptions of CR as a "medically supervised" program, family and physician support, and previous knowledge of CR via members of the South Asian community. CONCLUSION: Previous research identified barriers to CR participation in the South Asian community, and this study is the first to identify facilitators. Results suggest that families should be included in patient-education sessions, CR should be reinforced by healthcare providers, and the provider team should recognize cultural preferences. (Heart Lung (R) 2010;39:494-503.)