File(s) under permanent embargo
Sociocultural factors and perceptions associated with type 2 diabetes among sub-Saharan African migrants in Melbourne, Victoria
journal contribution
posted on 2016-02-01, 00:00 authored by Ayuba IssakaAyuba Issaka, Greer Lamaro HaintzGreer Lamaro Haintz, A RenzahoAim: To explore how non-diabetic sub-Saharan African migrants residing in Melbourne, construct and interpret type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its risk factors and to provide an evidence-based theoretical framework to inform community-based prevention programs. Methods: Seven focus group discussions (two with women only, two with men only and three of mixed gender) were carried out among Ghanaian, Zimbabwean, Sudanese and Burundian migrants living in Melbourne (n = 61; age range: 18 to 61 years). Results: Three distinct themes emerged: not paying much attention to the threat of T2DM and othering; T2DM being outside the individuals' control; and entrapment within rich industrialised culture and lifestyle. Participants perceived T2DM to be a disease of the wealthy caused by intake of too much sugar and sedentary behaviour, which were particularly compounded by lifestyle-related changes upon migration to an industrialised country. However, they also perceived T2DM to be associated with bad luck. Conclusions: Culturally competent prevention and education programs are needed to increase health literacy and dispel religious and cultural myths about T2DM among sub-Saharan African migrants.
History
Journal
Nutrition & dieteticsVolume
73Issue
1Pagination
28 - 35Publisher
WileyLocation
London, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1446-6368eISSN
1747-0080Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2015, Dietitians Association of AustraliaUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC