Gender differences in beliefs about health: a comparative qualitative study with Ghanaian and Indian migrants living in the United Kingdom

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a well-established association between migration to high income countries and health status, with some groups reporting poorer health outcomes than the host population. However, processes that influence health behaviours and health outcomes across minority ethnic groups are complex and in addition, culture ascribes specific gender roles for men and women, which can further influence perspectives of health.The aim of this study was to undertake a comparative exploration of beliefs of health among male and female Ghanaian and Indian migrants and White British participants residing in an urban area within the UK.MethodsThirty-six participants (12 each Ghanaian, Indian and White British) were recruited through community settings and participated in a semi-structured interview focusing on participant’s daily life in the UK, perceptions of their own health and how they maintained their health. Interviews were analyzed using a Framework approach.ResultsThree super ordinate themes were identified and labelled (a) beliefs about health; (b) symptom interpretation and (c) self-management and help seeking. Gender differences in beliefs and health behaviour practices were apparent across participants.ConclusionsThis is the first study to undertake a comparative exploration of health beliefs among people who have migrated to the UK from Ghana and India and to compare with a local (White British) population. The results highlight a need to consider both cultural and gender-based diversity in guiding health behaviours, and such information will be useful in the development of interventions to support health outcomes among migrant populations.

Beliefs about hypertension among Nigerian immigrants to the United Kingdom: A qualitative study

“…This study revealed a diversity of beliefs among Nigerian immigrants about hypertension. Its findings show that although there may be many similarities across sub-Saharan African migrants’ beliefs and values about illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension [ 15 , 46 , 48 ], there may be subtle differences not previously identified in the literature. It is therefore important to explore beliefs of migrants from individual countries of origin and if possible specific in-country ethnic groups.…”

“…There have been other studies which investigated the beliefs about hypertension among ethnic minority groups in the United Kingdom [ 15 , 20 – 27 , 46 ] and other developed nations [ 37 , 43 , 47 ]. There have also been studies which investigated the beliefs regarding other chronic health conditions among immigrant communities in developed countries [ 48 , 49 ].…”

“…The explanations for this gradient in the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors are complex and involve interplay of several factors. Studies have shown that the health status of migrants to high income countries may change overtime, sometimes becoming worse than host communities [ 15 ]. The change in health status of migrants is dependent on a number of socio-cultural factors including age, gender, migration status, ethnicity, unemployment, stress and poor housing quality [ 15 ].…”

“…Studies have shown that the health status of migrants to high income countries may change overtime, sometimes becoming worse than host communities [ 15 ]. The change in health status of migrants is dependent on a number of socio-cultural factors including age, gender, migration status, ethnicity, unemployment, stress and poor housing quality [ 15 ]. Furthermore, individual life style choices such as diet and health behaviours may be influenced by migration leading to increased prevalence of chronic diseases among migrant populations [ 15 ].…”

“…It is important to consider the individual who is adopting the health behaviour, barriers to adopting the behaviour as well as pre-migration health status and epidemiological patterns of Non Communicable Diseases in countries of origin [ 30 ]. Therefore, understanding how African migrant minority groups construct and interpret hypertension, in order words, their beliefs about hypertension is an important first step that should guide development of interventions geared towards reducing inequality in health outcomes of this group [ 15 , 31 – 37 ].…”