1997/98 PCERII Funded Research Abstract

Research Title: Immigrant Women and Health: Phase 2 of WHEALTH

Research Team:

• Dr. Lynn Meadows (University of Calgary) - Principal Investigator
                             
• Dr. Wilfreda Thurston (University of Calgary)

Research Domain(s): Social

Purpose: Immigrant Women and Health: Phase II of WHEALTH will describe and identify patterns of variation related to immigrant women’s status characteristics. The health issues of immigrant women may differ significantly from those of women who are Canadian born.

Objectives: To identify patterns and variations in descriptions of health, and analyse the connection between them (e.g., education, income, English language proficiency, acculturation, social support, place of residence).

Significance: An understanding of women’s own perceptions of the meaning, experience and social and cultural context of their health and what influences it is important to designing programs that will have the maximum potential for being utilized.

Study Design: A grounded theory approach guided by advice from the 5-member Working committee, with membership from the community, university and immigrant service agencies. Maximum variation sampling will be used, face-to-face in-depth interviews and focus group interviews used to gather data. Verbatim transcripts will be analysed using the constant comparative method and thematic analysis.

Policy Implications: Study findings will be communicated to front-line community service agencies in a timely manner, and a condition of collaboration. They will be reported in the usual academic fora, as well as through a summary report to relevant government agencies.