Chinese-Canadians’ Perspectives on Health and Fitness

Chunlei Lu, Michelle K. McGinn & Jian Liu - Brock University
John Sylvestre - University of Ottawa
SRG 2006

 

Français

 

2009

Concepts such as health, fitness, and sport are culturally constructed. Culturally appropriate services and programs are crucial to the quality and effectiveness of health promotion and sport participation. There is a pressing need to conduct research within specific immigrant communities to provide a better understanding of how various ethnic groups understand
the concepts of health and what everyday practices underlie these beliefs, so that we can better tailor policy and services to assist them in maintaining their health and promoting active healthy lifestyle including sport participation.

As the largest visible minority group in Canada, Chinese-Canadians were selected for study. Participants completed a quantitative questionnaire and participated in a qualitative interview.
A total of 100 participants were recruited from four cities across Canada.

Quantitative findings indicated that most of their attitudes and corresponding health practices were positive. A relation between dietary practices and attitude was evident in small cities only. Some of their attitudes were influenced by their length of stay in Canada. Stress was associated with their age, length of staying in Canada, annual family income, dental flossing, and attitude to meal on time. Unhealthy behaviours (eating fast food, smoking, and drinking) were rare. TCM (herb or physician) was not used much. Acculturation level only affected their beliefs on regular meal and their practices on dental flossing and psychological consultation.

In conclusion, promote sports that are popular globally (e.g., soccer) or traditional to
major immigrant cultures (e.g., badminton, table tennis, cricket, judo). People who work
in health-service occupations may provide a good promotion path for sport participant to Chinese-Canadians. Chinese-Canadians with high stress and low income should be the target for sport participation initiatives. Analysis of qualitative data related to this population group’s health perspectives and sport participation is expected. Further study of acculturation processes among major immigrant groups in Canada (e.g., Chinese, Indian) in terms of health and sport participation.

2008

Concepts such as health, fitness, and sport are culturally constructed. Culturally appropriate services and programs are crucial to the quality and effectiveness of health promotion and sport participation. There is a pressing need to conduct research within specific immigrant communities to provide a better understanding of how various ethnic groups understand the concepts of health and their everyday practices that underlie these beliefs, so that we can better tailor policy and services to assist them in maintaining their health and promoting active healthy lifestyles including sport participation.

Chinese-Canadians comprise one of Canada’s largest and fastest growing ethno-cultural groups. Chinese people have strikingly different views of health and sport from their Western counterparts. Concepts such as qi and yin-yang are unique features of the Chinese view of health. These views contrast with the Western perspective; one that has been strongly influenced by Cartesian philosophy that posits mind-body bifurcation.

Currently, there is little research on Chinese-Canadian immigrants’ health beliefs and practices. The purpose of the current study is to examine Chinese-Canadians’ views of health and their health practices such as sport participation. More specifically, we seek to understand (a) the extent to which Chinese-Canadians have maintained or integrated Canadian health practices, and (b) the environmental and social factors that influence resistance or adoption of the practices and values of the mainstream culture.

This research project has employed both a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews, approximately 100 participants in four representing cities across Canada (i.e., Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, and St. Catharines). The data collected will be analyzed through the lens of hermeneutics, complexity theory, and yin-yang theory. The results of the study will be disseminated in academic, professional, policy-making, and lay audiences through journals, conferences, and the media.

2007

Concepts such as health, illness, and fitness are culturally constructed. Culturally appropriate
and competent services are crucial to the quality and effectiveness of health care and health
promotion. There is a pressing need to conduct research within specific immigrant communities
to provide a better understanding of how various ethnic groups understand the concepts of
health and fitness, and the everyday practices that underlie these beliefs, so that we can better
tailor policy and services to assist them in maintaining their health and increasing their sport
participation.

Chinese-Canadians comprise one of Canada’s largest and fastest growing ethno-cultural
groups. Chinese people have strikingly different views of health, illness, and physical activity
than do their Western counterparts. Concepts such as qi and yin-yang are unique features of
the Chinese view of health. These views contrast with the Western perspective; one that has
been strongly influenced by Cartesian philosophy that posits a separation of the mind and body.

Currently, there is little research on Chinese-Canadian immigrants’ health beliefs and practices. The purpose of the current study is to examine Chinese-Canadians’ views of health and fitness, and their health and fitness practices. More specifically, we seek to understand (a) the extent to which Chinese-Canadians have maintained or integrated Canadian health and fitness practices, and (b) the environmental and social factors that influence resistance or adoption of the practices and values of the mainstream culture.

Based on a now-published pilot study (an exploratory qualitative study), this large investigation
will employ both a quantitative survey (210 participants) and qualitative interviews (70
participants) in seven representative cities across Canada. The data collected will be analyzed
through the lens of hermeneutics, complexity theory, and yin-yang theory. The results of the
study will be disseminated in academic, professional, policy, and lay audiences through
journals, conferences, and the media.

SCRI 2007 Presentation Slides

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