Publications and Research
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
12-5-2024
Abstract
For U.S. immigrants, communication is a complex aspect of integration into American society, and when it involves health care, communication can become particularly challenging and stressful. This is especially true for South Asian immigrants and their health care providers, who face language, cultural, and ethnic barriers. This study addresses the health communication challenges facing this immigrant community by gathering narratives from South Asian patients and health care professionals through in-depth, open-ended interviews, conducted via Zoom or in-person and voice-recorded. The interviews aim to assess communication styles (verbal and non-verbal), methods (such as symbolic practices and culturally specific terms), and regional understandings of health care within diverse South Asian immigrant communities and their healthcare providers. Currently pending IRB approval, this research is still in the development stage.
Once the interviews have been conducted and analyzed through thematic analysis, I intend to transform the findings into a podcast series that will be accessible to both patients and providers. This series will foster a broader societal impact by creating a space for healthcare professionals and patients alike to share their experiences. Ultimately, the goal is to promote greater understanding and collaboration, with the hope of bridging communication gaps through improved cultural sensitivity and competency among healthcare professionals, and address the health communication needs of South Asian Immigrant communities in the United States.
Comments
This poster, first place winner for non-STEM individual projects, was presented at the 41st Semi-Annual Dr. Janet Liou-Mark Honors & Undergraduate Research Poster Presentation, Dec. 5, 2024. Mentor: Prof. Sarah Price (Humanities).