The purpose of this focused ethnographic inquiry was
to examine South Asian immigrant women s experiences
and perceptions of respect within health
professional client relationships. Eleven women who
came to an outpatient clinic for cancer-related
treatments were interviewed. A recent immigrant
population increase in Canada presents challenges to
the provision of health care for people living with
life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Language,
cultural values, and beliefs, along with underlying
societal, individual, and institutional factors that
coexist with health professionals ability to create
respect, were some of the dimensions that influenced
how immigrant women experienced respect. The need to
be respected for my social identity as an immigrant
woman with cancer was woven throughout women s
stories, illustrated by their personal experiences
and perspectives.
to examine South Asian immigrant women s experiences
and perceptions of respect within health
professional client relationships. Eleven women who
came to an outpatient clinic for cancer-related
treatments were interviewed. A recent immigrant
population increase in Canada presents challenges to
the provision of health care for people living with
life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Language,
cultural values, and beliefs, along with underlying
societal, individual, and institutional factors that
coexist with health professionals ability to create
respect, were some of the dimensions that influenced
how immigrant women experienced respect. The need to
be respected for my social identity as an immigrant
woman with cancer was woven throughout women s
stories, illustrated by their personal experiences
and perspectives.