Keywords

Burmese Immigrants, heart disease, structural vulnerability, neoliberalism

Abstract

The ongoing political and military turmoil in Myanmar has resulted in a significant increase in the migration of Burmese individuals to the United States in recent years. This demographic shift has brought attention to the health challenges faced by Burmese immigrants, particularly with regard to heart disease (heart attack). The complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, compounded by legal and social barriers, place immigrants at greater risk for health disparities. This study examines the health challenges of Burmese immigrants in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a specific focus on their perceptions and experiences related to heart disease, as explored through illness narratives. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews based on the McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI), this research investigates how Burmese immigrants understand and manage heart disease. Seven participants, being diagnosed with heart attack or experienced heart attack, provided in-depth illness narratives, offering insights into the manifestation of the condition, treatment choices, and lifestyle adjustments in the context of migration. Burmese immigrants experience structural trauma and vulnerability due to past violence, forced migration, and ongoing social and economic challenges, leading to higher risks of health issues like heart disease such as heart attack. The findings included that to improve health outcomes, it is essential to provide culturally appropriate health education, enhance healthcare access, and address systemic barriers such as language and economic instability.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Reyes-Foster, Beatriz

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029561

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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