Formative research to promote the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service (GHS) in the Australian-Chinese community
Leonie Cranney A B C G , Li Ming Wen B C D , Huilan Xu D , Nancy Tam A , Anna Whelan C D E , Myna Hua A and Nageen Ahmed F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Health Promotion Service, Directorate Planning, Population Health & Equity, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, 301 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
B Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Level 6, The Hub, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
C Charles Perkins Centre, D17, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
D Health Promotion Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Level 9 North, KGV Building, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
E The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
F NSW Office of Preventive Health, Level 1, Don Everett Building, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia.
G Corresponding author. Email: leonie.cranney@sydney.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 24(3) 248-255 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY17133
Submitted: 18 September 2017 Accepted: 22 January 2018 Published: 9 May 2018
Abstract
The free, telephone-based Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service (GHS) has made sustained improvements in healthy behaviours and weight change in the Australian population, but there is poor uptake of the GHS by culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This formative research study explored the Australian-Chinese community’s awareness, perceptions and experiences of the GHS and their knowledge and cultural beliefs about healthy lifestyles. Conducted in Sydney, Australia, the research included 16 Chinese community-stakeholder interviews, a cross-sectional survey of 253 Chinese community members; and a review of Chinese participant GHS data. The study revealed poor uptake (<1%) and awareness (16%) of the GHS, but good intent (86%) to use it. The need for culturally appropriate and relevant information on healthy eating and physical activity was identified. Employment of a bilingual, bicultural coach, redesign and translation of written resources and targeted promotion in partnership with community organisations were recommended.
Additional keywords: culturally and linguistically diverse communities, health-seeking behaviour, nutrition, physical activity, telephone coaching.
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