The complex roles of acculturation and religious coping in shaping recovery experiences after cardiac events among Arab individuals in Ottawa

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Damian

Ethnic minority immigrant groups face elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet research has focused mainly on acculturation in social and medical contexts after cardiac events. This study examines how acculturation and religious coping jointly influence recovery and lifestyle behaviors among Arab individuals in Ottawa. Using a mixed-method design across qualitative interviews, a cross-sectional survey, and in-depth interviews, findings show acculturation and religious beliefs are intertwined, with cultural alignment and differing patterns in nutrition versus exercise.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi139 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180 .387 144 The complex roles of acculturation and religious coping in shaping recovery experiences after cardiac events among Arab individuals in Ottawa Hussein Ba Haroon1, Judy King1 1University of Ottawa, School of Rehabilitation, Ottawa, Canada EP3.2, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 3, 2025, 13:05-14:00 Background: Ethnic minority immigrant groups face a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than other ethnic communities living in host countries. Most studies have thereby emphasized acculturation in social and medical contexts after serious cardiac events. However, interactions between acculturation and religious coping are some of the least studied. Limited knowledge exists regarding how these influence CVD patients’ lifestyle behavioursand religious?coping approaches from the Arabic community in Ottawa. Aim: To explore and understand the experiences of Arab individuals diagnosed with CVD regarding the impact of acculturation and religious coping. Methods: A mixed-method approach with three studies: qualitative interviews with 17 Arab health promoters, a cross-sectional survey of 63 individuals from Arab communities who had either had a cardiac event or who were at high risk for CVD, and in-depth interviews with 10 male Arab individuals from Study 2, who reported experiencing cardiac events while living in Canada. The results: Arab health promoters described how acculturation and religious beliefs were intertwined and affected Arab immigrants’healthy lifestyles. The major themes included: “Culture First!”;“Religiosity Alone Does Not Make You Healthy!”; “It Is Not Easy!”; and “We Are Not Young!” The findings showed that participants were more aligned with Arabic than Canadian culture. They tended to be religious; indeed, their nutritional behaviour was healthier than exercise. From 10 participant interviews, five major themes emerged:“Stressful Events or Cardiac Events!”; “It Was a Dreamlike Event!”; “Recognizing Risk Factors Is Not Enough to Avoid Them,”; “Religious Coping on Outcomes,” and “Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: Who Refers, Who Participates?” Conclusion: Acculturation level plays an essential role in Arab immigrants’ beliefs and behaviours regarding their health status and their experiences in preventing CVD risk factors or in recovery after cardiac events. Religious coping seems to be a way to manage stress and mental burdens.

FAQs

What question does the study investigate?

How acculturation level and religious coping impact the experiences of Arab individuals diagnosed with CVD, including recovery-related and lifestyle behaviors.

What methods are used in the study?

A mixed-method approach uses qualitative interviews with Arab health promoters, a cross-sectional survey of Arab community members, and in-depth interviews with male Arab participants who reported cardiac events in Canada.

What are the key findings about acculturation and religion?

Participants were more aligned with Arabic than Canadian culture, tended to be religious, and showed patterns where nutritional behavior was healthier than exercise; acculturation and religious beliefs were intertwined in shaping healthy lifestyles.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Damian