Sub-Saharan African immigrant Cardiovascular Disease and risk factor control: Facilitators and Barriers in the use of or in accessing chronic disease management services in the Calgary municipal area

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers to chronic disease management programs and resources among Calgarian sub-Saharan African (SSA) immigrants with cardiovascular disease (CVD)/ related risk factors (i.e. hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia). Utilizing mixed methods design, descriptive statistics from a survey assessing CVD management practices and service use was collected, among a sample of adult SSA immigrants in Calgary. Participants with related risk factors were selected for interviews on barriers to self-health management. Participants with CVD-related conditions accessed health care services through primary access points; mostly family doctors (n=68, 88.31%). Participants over 40 years with CVD-related conditions reported highest management difficulties (n=26, 25.49%). Thematic analysis showed, low morbidity and good healthcare provider relationships, were facilitators to successful CVD-related disease management; whereas, high morbidity and work stress were barriers. Differences in age and morbidity appear to influence CVD testing and health management styles for this sample.