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Background: South Asians experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease than any other ethnic group. Some evidence suggests that South Asians may be less adherent to cardiac medication regimens than Whites residing in Canada. Identification of the key factors contributing to adherence may assist this growing population to optimize their cardiac health. Aim: To explore key factors associated with adherence to cardiac medications among South Asian people with cardiac disease. Methods: Ethnography was used to highlight population specific themes and domains elated to medication adherence. Ethnographic observations were undertaken of patients, as well as their family (primary care) physicians and pharmacists (including their staff), while in physician offices and pharmacies. A purposive sample of patients (n = 8), as well as physicians (n = 3) and pharmacists (n = 2) underwent in-depth interviews. Field note and interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using ethnographic domain and thematic analysis. Results: The patients relied on family members for instrumental support in remaining adherent with their medications. Relationships with healthcare professionals who demonstrated clear communication and cultural awareness was associated with enhanced medication adherence. Memory mechanisms needed to be individualized and were generally 'low technology'. While prepackaging of medications enhanced adherence, patients who used them were less knowledgeable about their medications. Conclusions: Healthcare providers should understand the importance of including family members in the care of South Asian people with heart disease. They also need to appreciate hat the quality of provider--patient relationships are important to South Asian patients and will influence adherence to healthcare regimens. Expanding the role of nurse in the primary healthcare team could provide a cost-effective means of enhancing medication adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Contemporary nurses require genomic literacy to engage in genomics-informed health care. Little is known about the genomic literacy of undergraduate nursing students and faculty in many countries. Concept inventories can be used to assess levels of knowledge and inform curriculum development. Methods The 31-item Genomic Nursing Concept Inventory (GNCI) was administered to undergraduate nursing students (n=207) and faculty (n=13) in a school of nursing with two sites in western Canada. Results Scores on the GNCI were low and comparable to those of US students and faculty. Six student characteristics were associated with total score on the GNCI. Conclusions Both students and faculty need to increase their knowledge of genomics. Mandates from national nursing organizations and international collaboration are needed to develop and implement foundational genomics content for undergraduate curricula to enable graduates to engage in genomics-informed health care.