The purpose of this cross-cultural interview is to better understand the health beliefs, cultural practices, and healthcare experiences of my friend who is 29 year-old Chinese international student. I will be using Leininger’s Culture Care Theory to formulate my interview questions by exploring my interviewee’s cultural beliefs and respecting her cultural values and practices. She is currently 35 weeks pregnant with a baby boy. According to Rose (2021), key factors that must be considered when addressing the health status of women in the United States include race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, Zhan et al. (2024) highlights that Chinese women, especially those in the younger generation, are facing new cardiovascular health challenges related to behavioral factors, psychosocial stress, and socioeconomic changes, making it essential for healthcare providers to understand these unique health risks when caring for Chinese women.
Based on these factors the following interview questions were developed to guide a culturally competent and sensitive conversation.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself and your cultural background?
2. How long have you been living in the United States, and what brought you here?
3. What language do you primarily speak at home?
4. How connected do you feel to your Chinese cultural identity, and how does it influence your daily life and health decisions?
5. Have you noticed any differences in the quality of healthcare you receive here in the United States compared to what you experienced in China?
6. Have you ever felt that your race, ethnicity, or financial situation affected the quality of care you received from a healthcare provider?
7. Have you experienced any barriers to accessing healthcare since moving to the United States, such as language barriers, financial difficulties, or lack of insurance?
8. In an article I read, it was noted that dietary patterns among Chinese women have shifted toward higher consumption of processed foods and unhealthy diets. How would you describe your current diet, and has it changed since moving to the United States?
9. In an article I read, it was found that smoking and alcohol consumption have been gradually increasing among younger and middle-aged Chinese women. Do you smoke or consume alcohol, and if so, has this changed since moving to the United States?
10. Have you ever been screened for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and do you regularly follow up with a healthcare provider for preventive care?
11. In an article I read, it was highlighted that Chinese women often experience significant psychosocial stress related to family responsibilities, career pressures, and cultural expectations. How would you describe your current level of stress, and what are the main sources of stress in your life?
12. Since moving to the United States, have you experienced any challenges balancing your cultural expectations with your personal and professional life?
13. How do you cope with stress, and are there any cultural practices or support systems that help you manage it?
14. Do you feel that you have adequate social support here in the United States, and how has this affected your overall health and well-being?
15. Are there any cultural beliefs or practices related to women’s health, pregnancy, or reproductive health that are important to you?
16. Are there any women’s health screenings or preventive care services that you have avoided or delayed due to cultural beliefs or financial concerns?
17. How do you define health and illness within Chinese culture?
18. Are there any traditional Chinese healing practices that you use or believe in, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, or cupping therapy?
19. How would you describe your overall experience with the healthcare system in the United States compared to healthcare in China?
20. Have you ever felt discriminated against or misunderstood by a healthcare provider due to your cultural background or language?
21. What advice would you give to healthcare providers to better understand and care for Chinese immigrant women like yourself?
Additional maternal health and pregnancy questions
1. Have you been receiving regular prenatal care since becoming pregnant, and have you experienced any barriers to accessing prenatal care here in the United States?
2. Do you plan to follow the traditional Chinese postpartum practice of “sitting the month” after delivery, and can you tell me more about what that means to you?
3. Have you been screened for gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during your pregnancy, and do you understand the importance of these screenings?
4. Does your culture have any specific preferences regarding pain management during labor, such as avoiding certain medications or preferring natural childbirth?
5. Do you have a strong support system in place for after delivery, such as family members or community support, particularly since you are away from your home country?
6. Are you planning to breastfeed, and are there any cultural beliefs or practices related to breastfeeding that are important to you?