Support Networks and Care Needs: Insights From Older Vietnam-Born Australians Living With Chronic Disease

Abstract

This study explored the support networks and care needs of older Vietnam-born adults living in Australia, using focused ethnography, and guided by Leininger's Culture Care theory. Data were collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews over 7 months in Perth, Western Australia, and analyzed thematically. Twelve participants were included. Two themes emerged: “The collectivist context of disease management” and “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Chronic disease self-management primarily took place within family and community settings, with ethnic communities playing a significant role. Migration-related stigma influenced perceived care needs, creating a gap between perceived and actual support. Findings highlight the essential role of community and family in managing chronic diseases among older Vietnam-born Australians. Health care providers should consider collaborating with ethnic communities using family-based approaches to address these self-management needs. Future studies could explore whether these findings are applicable to other older foreign-born populations from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia.