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Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Negative perceptions of illnesses can increase caregivers' use of ineffective coping strategies, which may increase their burdens and distress. Scientific and theoretical framework showed that culture and health organization system influence perception of illnesses and thus also has an impact on the coping strategies used. There is a lack of data on comparative perceptions of illnesses and coping styles between India and Switzerland and that is why this hypothesis needs to be confirmed. The comparison between two countries with large cultural and socioeconomics differences will provide a more significant impact., What this paper adds to existing knowledge? This cultural comparative study explores the associations between representations of illness and three forms of coping styles (i.e. problem-focused, emotion-focused and social support-focused coping) among caregivers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Mangalore, India, and in French-speaking Switzerland. Results showed significant differences between Swiss and Indian caregivers practically in all illness' perceptions and coping styles, which is in accord with the theoretical framework. However, two results showed also similarities: the perception that schizophrenia can have cyclical episodes and that it can have negative consequences for caregivers., These differences and similarities allow to confirm the hypothesis that culture and health organization system influence illness' perception which impact the used coping styles. However, to develop specific nursing interventions for each culture, more research is needed to specify qualitatively the content of these differences and similarities., What are the implications for practice? Knowledge of how culture influences perceptions and coping styles is essential to develop quality interventions. Nurses should evaluate caregivers' perceptions and the causes they attribute to illnesses to help them maintain or develop efficient coping strategies. Knowledge of specific cultural differences and similarities can help nurses to provide individualized care that takes into account personal values to ensure recovery processes., Abstract Introduction Scientific and theoretical framework showed that culture and health organization system influence perception of illnesses and thus also has an impact on the coping strategies used. Aim/question This cultural comparative study explores illness' perception and coping styles among the caregivers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Mangalore, India, and Lausanne, Switzerland. Method The answers of 92 Swiss caregivers, using paper or electronic surveys depending on the participants' preference, and 100 Indian caregivers via an interview with a nurse were examined. Results The results confirm the hypothesis that culture and health organization system influence illness' perception which impact the used coping styles. Significant differences between Swiss and Indian caregivers practically in all illness' perceptions and coping styles were present, which is in accord with the theoretical framework. However, two results showed also similarities: the perception that schizophrenia can have cyclical episodes and that it can have negative consequences for caregivers. Discussion These differences will affect the development of interventions for caregivers in both countries. Implications for Practice The cultural differences observed in this study not only will allow interventions to be adapted to the specific needs of the two populations but also to identify their shared needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies using the WHOQOL measures have demonstrated that the relationship between individual items and the underlying quality of life (QoL) construct may differ between cultures. If unaccounted for, these differing relationships can lead to measurement bias which, in turn, can undermine the reliability of results.Methods: We used item response theory (IRT) to assess differential item functioning (DIF) in WHOQOL data from diverse language versions collected in UK, Zimbabwe, Russia, and India (total N = 1332). Data were fitted to the partial credit 'Rasch' model. We used four item banks previously derived from the WHOQOL-100 measure, which provided excellent measurement for physical, psychological, social, and environmental quality of life domains (40 items overall). Cross-cultural differential item functioning was assessed using analysis of variance for item residuals and post hoc Tukey tests. Simulated computer-adaptive tests (CATs) were conducted to assess the efficiency and precision of the four items banks.Results: Splitting item parameters by DIF results in four linked item banks without DIF or other breaches of IRT model assumptions. Simulated CATs were more precise and efficient than longer paper-based alternatives.Discussion: Assessing differential item functioning using item response theory can identify measurement invariance between cultures which, if uncontrolled, may undermine accurate comparisons in computer-adaptive testing assessments of QoL. We demonstrate how compensating for DIF using item anchoring allowed data from all four countries to be compared on a common metric, thus facilitating assessments which were both sensitive to cultural nuance and comparable between countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to describe and discuss the recruitment strategies used in a research study of cervical cancer screening among South Asian women, the challenges encountered and the lessons learnt from the experience. Background Ethnic minority populations face different barriers to participating in research studies. Strategies have been developed to recruit this population to health-related research in Western countries, but there is little information about such research in the Asian region. Design Discussion paper. Data sources The discussion is based on our previous experience. The source of this experience is the recruitment strategies used, their results and the challenges encountered during the process. Implications for nursing Culturally, relevant strategies and maintaining good relationships with stakeholders improved participant recruitment. Familiarity with South Asians' traditional calendar - when cultural and religious festivals are held every year - would aid the setting up of appropriate schedules for participant recruitment, either before or after the periods when they cannot be reached, such as Ramadan. South Asian women are often busy with childcare and housework. This is their major responsibility in the family and any failure to fulfil such duties is a source of stress and may foster feelings of guilt. A better understanding of their daily routines is therefore important. Such information enables the establishment of daily meeting schedules to increase the success rate of recruitment. Conclusion Recruitment is a tedious process, but appropriate planning and taking account of cultural and religious practices and daily schedules will help to improve its rate of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The branding of ayurveda as a market strategy for the health consumer has become an important factor in the creation of 'New Age orientalist desire'. Using Vedic Village as a case, this paper shows how new age orientalism has been spread in modern India to middle class professionals, entrepreneurs and overseas health tourists. With this representation, ayurveda has become a wellness therapy instead of a means to restore health, and affluent people can now buy a package of 'ayurvedic healthy life' without changing their lifestyles. In addition to Euro-American health tourists, emerging middle class professionals and entrepreneurs in modern India have also become an integral part of the process of 'new age orientalization'. This paper concludes that the commodijied version of ayurveda, which has been developed in the West as part of 'wellness and spa culture', has become popular among the affluent middle class in India and abroad today, and through this the West has claimed and justifies authority over Eastern medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]