Punjabi Sikh patients’ cardiac rehabilitation experiences following myocardial infarction: a qualitative analysis

Aims and objectives. To explore the cardiac rehabilitation experiences of Punjabi Sikh patients post myocardial infarction. Background. Punjabi Sikh people are at significantly higher risk of mortality from myocardial infarction compared with those of European descent. Punjabi Sikh patients’ participation in cardiac rehabilitation post myocardial infarction is therefore likely to yield considerable benefits. However, uptake of cardiac rehabilitation by South Asian people has been reported to be modest. Previous investigators have seldom provided insight into experiences of Punjabi Sikh patients post myocardial infarction and the steps that can be taken to improve the appropriateness of cardiac rehabilitation programmes for this at‐risk patient group. Design. Interpretive qualitative design. Method. In‐depth interviews, based on the McGill Illness Narrative Interview schedule, with 15 Punjabi Sikh patients post myocardial infarction attending a cardiac rehabilitation programme in British Columbia, Canada, were conducted; thematic analysis using grounded theory methods of coding and constant comparative analysis was employed. Results. Four mutually exclusive themes emerged relating to the salient aspects of participants’ cardiac rehabilitation experience: ‘making sense of the diagnosis’, ‘practical dietary advice’, ‘ongoing interaction with peers and the multi‐disciplinary team’ and ‘transport and attendance’. Conclusions. The themes identified point towards some of the ingredients necessary for providing culturally appropriate cardiac rehabilitation interventions for Punjabi Sikh patients following myocardial infarction. The findings highlight the importance of providing culturally relevant rehabilitation advice about diet and lifestyle changes and providing time for ongoing dialogue with support from health care professionals and peers. The findings from this study also illustrate the need to avoid generalisations about the impact religious beliefs may have on South Asian individuals’ willingness to adhere to cardiac rehabilitation advice and make lifestyle adjustments. Relevance to clinical practice. This study raises awareness of some of the salient features of experiences of Punjabi Sikh patients with post myocardial infarction that can help guide nurses to provide culturally appropriate cardiac rehabilitation and coronary health promotion.