144 The complex roles of acculturation and religious coping in shaping recovery experiences after cardiac events among Arab individuals in Ottawa

Abstract EP3.2, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 3, 2025, 13:05 - 14:00 Background Ethnic minority immigrant groups face a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than other ethnic communities living in host countries. Most studies have thereby emphasized acculturation in social and medical contexts after serious cardiac events. However, interactions between acculturation and religious coping are some of the least studied. Limited knowledge exists regarding how these influence CVD patients’ lifestyle behaviours and religious?coping approaches from the Arabic community in Ottawa. Aim To explore and understand the experiences of Arab individuals diagnosed with CVD regarding the impact of acculturation and religious coping. Methods A mixed-method approach with three studies: qualitative interviews with 17 Arab health promoters, a cross-sectional survey of 63 individuals from Arab communities who had either had a cardiac event or who were at high risk for CVD, and in-depth interviews with 10 male Arab individuals from Study 2, who reported experiencing cardiac events while living in Canada. The results Arab health promoters described how acculturation and religious beliefs were intertwined and affected Arab immigrants’ healthy lifestyles. The major themes included: “Culture First!”; “Religiosity Alone Does Not Make You Healthy!”; “It Is Not Easy!”; and “We Are Not Young!” The findings showed that participants were more aligned with Arabic than Canadian culture. They tended to be religious; indeed, their nutritional behaviour was healthier than exercise. From 10 participant interviews, five major themes emerged: “Stressful Events or Cardiac Events!”; “It Was a Dreamlike Event!”; “Recognizing Risk Factors Is Not Enough to Avoid Them,”; “Religious Coping on Outcomes,” and “Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: Who Refers, Who Participates?” Conclusion Acculturation level plays an essential role in Arab immigrants’ beliefs and behaviours regarding their health status and their experiences in preventing CVD risk factors or in recovery after cardiac events. Religious coping seems to be a way to manage stress and mental burdens.