Author Identifier (ORCID)
Thi Ngoc Minh Nguyen: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1046-1615
Rosemary Saunders: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6213-4694
Lisa Whitehead: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6395-0279
Abstract
This study explored the support networks and care needs of older Vietnam-born adults living in Australia, using focused ethnography, and guided by Leininger's Culture Care theory. Data were collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews over 7 months in Perth, Western Australia, and analyzed thematically. Twelve participants were included. Two themes emerged: “The collectivist context of disease management” and “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Chronic disease self-management primarily took place within family and community settings, with ethnic communities playing a significant role. Migration-related stigma influenced perceived care needs, creating a gap between perceived and actual support. Findings highlight the essential role of community and family in managing chronic diseases among older Vietnam-born Australians. Health care providers should consider collaborating with ethnic communities using family-based approaches to address these self-management needs. Future studies could explore whether these findings are applicable to other older foreign-born populations from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia.
Keywords
chronic disease management, culturally and linguistically diverse background, migration health, older people, support needs, support network
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
6-1-2025
Volume
27
Issue
2
PubMed ID
40509751
Publication Title
Nursing and Health Sciences
Publisher
Wiley
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
RAS ID
82293
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
Nguyen, T. N. M., Saunders, R., Dermody, G., & Whitehead, L. (2025). Support networks and care needs: Insights from older Vietnam-born Australians living with chronic disease. Nursing & Health Sciences, 27(2), e70158. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.70158