Sociocultural factors and perceptions associated with type 2 diabetes among sub‐Saharan African migrants in Melbourne, Victoria

Abstract

Aim: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.

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 ]. However this is the first study that has explored the beliefs, perceptions and attitudes regarding hypertension among Nigerians living in the United Kingdom.…”

Diabetes Risk by Length of Residence among Somali Women in Oslo Area

“…Still, countries hosting immigrants are facing challenges in diabetes prevention among highly diverse immigrant communities [ 7 ]. This challenge partially stems from the fact that many immigrant communities have different concepts of health and health care than mainstream societies in the host country [ 14 ]. Therefore, to meet immigrant's preventive health needs, hosting countries need a greater understanding of the health status, health behaviors, and risk factors prevalent in different groups within the population.…”

“…The language proficiency is another factor that affects immigrants' exposure to preventive services, with immigrants who do not speak the national language being less likely to benefit from community-based health promotion programs. Immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa were reported to not pay much attention to T2D, considering it something beyond an individual's control [ 14 ]. Therefore, due to misconceptions indicated by popular health beliefs, many Africans fail to take appropriate measures for the prevention and control of diabetes and its risk factors [ 16 ].…”

Food security, food systems and food sovereignty in the 21st century: A new paradigm required to meet Sustainable Development Goals

“…In order to develop culturally appropriate programs to increase health and nutrition literacy, and thereby improve food and nutrition security among migrant groups, insights into perceptions about their health‐seeking behaviours are required. A qualitative study of sub‐Saharan African migrants residing in Melbourne identified three distinct themes with regard to perceptions related to diabetes . Participants did not pay much attention to the threat of type 2 diabetes, considered the disease to be outside of their control and being a disease associated with culture and life style of rich industrialised countries.…”