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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 2002 May 1;93(3):183–187. doi: 10.1007/BF03404997

A Review of Theory and Health Promotion Strategies for New Immigrant

Ilene Hyman 16,✉, Sepali Guruge 26
PMCID: PMC6979818  PMID: 12050984

Abstract

Background: There has been little empirical research on the best ways to influence women’s health behaviour, particularly among women who are recent immigrants to Canada.

Methods: This paper presents information from a literature review conducted for the Ontario Women’ Health Council on effective theoretical models and health promotion strategies for women.

Findings: Health promotion activities for all women should address theoretical variables as well as the broader determinants of women’s health. New immigrant women represent a diverse group who often face multiple cultural, linguistic and systemic barriers to adopting and maintaining healthy behaviour.

Interpretation: Many theoretical constructs of potential importance to recent immigrant women have not been adequately researched. More research is also needed on the relevancy and the applicability of commonly used health promotion approaches for this group.

Footnotes

Acknowledgements: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Women’s Health Council and the contribution of University Health Network Women’s Health Program team members: Susan Abbey, Latoya Austin, Farah Ahmad, Kim Bercovitz, Jill Cameron, Laura Purdy, Vaska Micevski, Angela Shik and Donna Stewart.

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