Patterns of missing data in ethnic minority health research: a survey project with Russian-speaking immigrant women with hypertension. Res Theory Nurs Pract 2013;27(4):276-95
Date
02/21/2014Pubmed ID
24552087DOI
10.1891/1541-6577.27.4.276Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84890166633 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
We explored cultural-level variables and their associations with missing data in a group of immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU). Elderly hypertensive women (N = 105) completed a health survey. Prevalence of missing data and z scores were calculated to determine which survey items and measures were more likely to have missing data. Hierarchical linear regressions were performed to test whether cultural variables predicted the rate of missing data beyond individual variables. Culture variables associated with survey nonresponse and missing data were related to depression, anxiety, medication beliefs and practices, attitudes toward physicians, and cultural and behavioral identity. An interpretation of the patterns of missing data and strategies to reduce the likelihood of missing data in this population are discussed. Cultural norms likely influence patients' orientations toward their health care providers. Providers would do well to normalize difficulties with medical adherence and encourage patients to ask questions about such directives. We recommend that researchers consider the cultural appropriateness of survey items and consider alternative methods (i.e., qualitative designs) for culturally sensitive topics such as mental health and sexuality.
Author List
Brouwer AM, Mosack KE, Wendorf AR, Sokolova LAuthor
Katie Mosack PhD Associate Professor in the Psychology department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AgedAged, 80 and over
Biomedical Research
Communication Barriers
Cultural Characteristics
Data Collection
Emigrants and Immigrants
Female
Humans
Hypertension
Minority Health
Russia
United States
Women's Health
