Asian-Indian Female International Students: A Photovoice Study of Health and Adaptation to the Immigration Experience

Authors

Cheryl Cooper, University of Texas at TylerFollow
Susan Yarbrough, University of Texas at TylerFollow

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the health related perspectives of female Asian-Indian international students enrolled in a mid-size public university in the United States. Using the biocultural model of human adaptation and photovoice methodology, we conducted a two-phase qualitative exploratory study whereby participants were interviewed, then asked to take photographs reflecting their physical or mental health. Their photographs and related narratives provided insights into the students’ health related beliefs and coping behaviors as they adapted to a new physical and social environment. The knowledge gained from this study provides health care professionals, counselors, and educators insights that might be helpful in providing culturally sensitive care and services to Asian Indian women living in the United States for the purposes of higher education.

Keywords

Photography, Photovoice, Asian-Indian People, Cultures, International Students, Health Beliefs and Behavior, Women’s Health

Author Bio(s)

Cheryl Cooper PhD, MS, RN, is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Tyler. Dr. Cooper teaches courses in the health sciences in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Tyler. Her research interests include minority health, health and culture, human sexuality, and health education methods. She is particularly interested in the use of photovoice as both a research and a pedagogical tool. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: ccooper@uttyler.edu.

Susan Yarbrough, PhD, RN, CNE is a Professor at The University of Texas at Tyler and holds a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Texas Austin. Dr. Yarbrough has many years of academic experience in administrative and faculty roles. She currently teaches in the graduate and doctoral programs in the School of Nursing. Her research interests include professional values, cultural influences of health, and qualitative methodologies such as photovoice. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: syarbrough@uttyler.edu.

Publication Date

6-5-2016

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2356

Recommended APA Citation

Cooper, C., & Yarbrough, S. (2016). Asian-Indian Female International Students: A Photovoice Study of Health and Adaptation to the Immigration Experience. The Qualitative Report, 21(6), 1035-1051. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2356