Promoting physical activity in South Asian Muslim women through 'exercise on prescription'

Abstract

Technical terms and abbreviations are used throughout this report. The meaning is usually clear from the context, but a glossary is provided for the non-specialist reader. In some cases, usage differs in the literature but the term has a constant meaning throughout this review. Exercise on prescription (EoP) refers to schemes in which a GP recommends exercise for health benefits. This is also known as exercise referral. Physical activity/exercise These terms are used to denote bodily movement using energy. Physical activities may be in specific forms, for example, sporting activities or aerobics. South Asian refers to people whose family origins are either in Bangladesh, India or Pakistan. They may have been born in the UK or elsewhere.

What are the barriers to primary prevention of type 2 diabetes in black and minority ethnic groups in the UK? A qualitative evidence synthesis

“…There were particular gaps in understanding reported in relation to religious beliefs, male-female dynamics in Islamic culture and perceived body image in the way they impact on health and health promoting activities. For example, South Asian Muslim women commented on a non-Muslim perception that the practice of Islam and physical activity are incongruent (Carroll et al 2002), a belief that was refuted by both lay members of the community and religious leaders (Grace et al 2008). …”

“…Sometimes I think that white people don't understand our needs. They just think we don't want to be healthy andexercise -but we do" (Carroll et al 2002). …”

“…A lack of women-only sessions was a common problem in physical activity interventions for Muslim women. Where women-only sessions were available, these were often at difficult times of the day or week for women with families, or sessions were still visible to male members of staff, which conflicted with cultural and religious norms (Carroll et al 2002). Some South Asian men also found attendance at mixed gender sessions uncomfortable (Farooqi et al 2000;Grace et al 2008).…”

“…However, some South Asian women are beginning to cook traditional meals in more healthy ways, such as reducing the amount of fat (Netto et al 2007). Women from Zimbabwe were not used to cooking for themselves as in Africa maids had done the cooking; having to cook in the UK was seen as time consuming (Lawrence et al 2007).Just as dietary behaviours were reported as having different associations and practices in the homeland compared with the UK, physical activity also had a different purpose and association 'back home', where every-day activity such as housework or river bathing was the norm and vigorous exercise was seen as unnecessary, or unacceptable (Darr et al 2008; Rai & Finch 1997;Grace et al 2008;Farooqi et al 2000; Khanam & Costarelli 2008;Carroll et al 2002).Swimming and slow walking were preferred ways to remain active (Rai & Finch 1997; Khanam & Costarelli 2008). In the UK, organised activities such as attendance at swimming or dance classes or membership of a gym are the typical method of exercise (Khanam & Costarelli 2008; Rai & Finch 1997; Kopp 2009;Carroll et al 2002).…”

“…Sources of encouragement to increase physical activity included the media, where role models such as successful sporting personalities could be inspirational, particularly when they represented a minority culture. Family and friends were also major sources of encouragement (Rai & Finch 1997), though in some cases family members could pose limitations to behaviour change when such change was perceived as conflicting with social norms (Netto et al 2007;Carroll et al 2002). …”