Theory and Application of Health Acculturation: A Communication Perspective

In this book, Yuxia Qian and Rukhsana Ahmed explore health acculturation, which they argue is a complex, multidimensional communication process involving concerted efforts from migrants, health professionals, researchers, community members, policymakers, and the media, rather than a unidimensional process synonymous with assimilation. Qian and Ahmed examine individual migrant health acculturation experiences, community-based culturally-centered health interventions, and cross-cultural health promotion and campaigns. Ultimately, this book unpacks the complexity surrounding the health acculturation process through different theoretical frameworks and cross-cultural applications in a range of communication contexts, including the interpersonal, family, community, organizational, and media.

Yuxia Qian is associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

Rukhsana Ahmed is associate professor of communication and research associate at the Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities at the University at Albany, State University of New York.