Exploring the obesity concerns of British Pakistani women living in deprived inner‐city areas: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: British South Asians have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than the wider population. Bradford (UK), with its high Pakistani presence and levels of economic deprivation, has exceptionally high instances, especially in deprived areas where many Pakistanis reside. British Pakistani women in Bradford are more likely to be overweight and obese. There is uncertainty on how these women can be aided to manage their weight. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the obesity concerns of Pakistani women living in deprived inner-city areas of Bradford.Methods: Three focus groups interviews were carried out with 23 Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford. Data were analysed thematically.Results: This exploratory study identified a wide range of concerns that women had around managing their weight. Participants disclosed distrust in information given around medication, conflicting dietary information and reported low levels of trust in women-only organized physical activities. Cultural barriers were identified, which included the gender role of the woman, the lack of culturally appropriate dietary advice, cultural misunderstandings of what constitutes a healthy diet and healthy weight, the lack of culturally suitable exercise facilities and conforming to family and community expectations. Other concerns were language barriers around a lack of understanding, the inability to read Urdu and reliance on others to translate information. Conclusion:These findings have implications for researchers, local authorities, policy makers and others with an interest in reducing the rates of obesity in this population.Recommendations include training health practitioners to be culturally aware of the diet and eating practices of this community, exploring different ways to support socially isolated women to be more physically active at home, addressing physical activity and diet misconceptions and designing obesity management information materials appropriate for a range of literacy levels.

Identifying the Health Concerns of Pregnant British Pakistani Women Living in Deprived Areas: A Qualitative Study

“…The finding that Pakistani women did not attend physical activity facilities due to their lack of cultural appropriateness is in line with previous literature (Iqbal et al, 2022 ). According to Jepson et al ( 2012 ), swimming and using the gym are two of the most popular activities for UK residents, but many South Asian women report cultural barriers which means that they are unable to make use of them.…”

Views, perceptions, and experiences of type 2 diabetes or weight management programs among minoritized ethnic groups living in high‐income countries: A systematic review of qualitative evidence

“…Lack of cultural understanding by program providers has been highlighted as a barrier to engagement in a qualitative study 39 in which Pakistani women described their obesity‐related concerns. This study reported barriers such as lack of practical, culturally appropriate dietary advice and health professionals giving contradictory advice due to the lack of cultural awareness of foods consumed 39 .…”

“…Lack of cultural understanding by program providers has been highlighted as a barrier to engagement in a qualitative study 39 in which Pakistani women described their obesity‐related concerns. This study reported barriers such as lack of practical, culturally appropriate dietary advice and health professionals giving contradictory advice due to the lack of cultural awareness of foods consumed 39 . Conversely, an example of good practice in a diabetes education intervention targeting health promotion in a UK South Asian population is reported by Gill et al 40 The intervention embedded health ambassadors and provided educational sessions with bilingual professionals in settings which were culturally appropriate such as mosques, resulting in positive learning 40 .…”

“…This study reported barriers such as lack of practical, culturally appropriate dietary advice and health professionals giving contradictory advice due to the lack of cultural awareness of foods consumed. 39 Conversely, an example of good practice in a diabetes education intervention targeting health promotion in a UK South Asian population is reported by Gill et al 40 The intervention embedded health ambassadors and provided educational sessions with bilingual professionals in settings which were culturally appropriate such as mosques, resulting in positive learning. 40 This approach is supported by a systematic review 41 which recommended dietary programs should be informed and sensitive to individual culture, involve faith leaders, and include training programs to those delivering the intervention.…”