The experiences of female spouses of survivors of acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study of Lebanese‐born women in south‐western Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Lebanese migrants form a significant proportion of the population in southwestern Sydney (SWS), and in New South Wales, Australia. This pilot study was undertaken in south-western Sydney, a rapidly expanding and socioeconomically disadvantaged region, to explore the experiences of English speaking women of Lebanese origin whose spouses had recently experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Lebanese-born women at 2- and 4-week intervals, following the discharge of their husbands from hospital. Qualitative analysis of narrative text revealed four distinct themes. These were: struggle to resolve distress; intensive monitoring of the AMI survivor; searching for avenues of support; and reflecting on the future. Study findings are discussed in relation to the literature. Implications for nursing practice and research are drawn from study findings.

Cultural aspects of adjustment to coronary heart disease in Chinese‐Australians: a review of the literature

“…There is limited Australian literature describing the personal experiences of survivors of CHD in the initial discharge period. Daly et al . (1998, 2000) have conducted a series of studies in this area.…”

“…(1998, 2000) have conducted a series of studies in this area. In the first study, Daly et al . (1998) undertook a qualitative, exploratory‐descriptive study of the experiences of seven Lebanese‐born female spouses of survivors of MI in the initial discharge period.…”

Couples’ thoughts about and expectations of their future life after the patient’s hospital discharge following acute myocardial infarction

“…2000). Partners have reported experiencing anxiety that the patient would not survive the acute phase (Daly et al. 1998, Stewart et al.…”

“…It has been described as a threat to one's whole existence that can lead to a life crisis (Lidell et al 1998, Johansson et al 2007) and high family stress (Lukk-arinen & Kyngä s 2003), especially for the partner (Thompson & Meddis 1990, Svedlund et al 1999, O'Farrell et al 2000. Partners have reported experiencing anxiety that the patient would not survive the acute phase (Daly et al 1998, Stewart et al 2000. Relatives have reported a higher level of emotional distress such as anxiety, depression and fatigue than the patients themselves, particularly in the early stages of recovery (Jones et al 2006).…”

Research on couples: are feminist approaches useful?

“…However, for various reasons, many of these studies focus on only one person in the partnership. For example, in a study exploring the experiences of Lebanese female spouses of survivors of acute myocardial infarction, Daly et al. (1998) did not capture the perspective of the male spouse.…”