Edinburgh Napier University

  Background: Chinese immigrants are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) compared to Chinese nationals, partly due to lifestyle changes and knowledge deficits. Translated patient resources are available on the Internet and are often provided by health professionals, however the quality and cultural sensitivity of these resources has not been reported.
Objective: Assessment of availability, quality, and cultural sensitivity of Chinese-language information available from National “Heart Foundations” (cardiac research bodies) of the five most popular destinations of Chinese immigration.
Methods: Descriptive research in which National “Heart Foundation” Websites were systematically searched for Chinese-language CVD patient education resources. Quality (content, identification, structure) was assessed using Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool. Cultural sensitivity was evaluated using Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool (CSAT).
Results: From 107 identified resources, 33 were CVD specific: coronary heart disease (n=20), arrhythmias (n=7), heart failure (n=6). Quality of resources was adequate (mean EQIP score = 69%), but scores varied significantly (min=60%, max=85%). While all resources were classified as culturally sensitive (CSAT score ≥2.5), 2 resources scored low (≤2.5) for visual impact, and across all resources written and visual domains were assessed as least culturally sensitive. Most resources lacked culturally-specific references.
Conclusions: Chinese-language CVD resources were inconsistent in the supply of key information. Quality and level of cultural sensitivity were adequate, but most resources lacked culturally-specific references. Comprehensive, high-quality CVD resources tailored for Chinese immigrant are urgently needed for healthcare providers to support CVD education and care of patients belonging to this population.