The cultural practices of Bamar diabetic patients: An ethnographic study

Abstract

Background: Many qualitative studies on the feelings and lived experiences of diabetic patients have already been conducted in European and Asian countries. However, little is known about the cultural practices of diabetic patients among the Bamar population of Myanmar. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the cultural practices of Bamar diabetic patients in Myanmar. Methods: The conceptual framework of this ethnographic study was based on Spradley's ethnographic theory and Leininger's cultural care theory. Seven participants who met the preset criteria were purposively selected from Anawmar quarter, Tharkayta Township, Yangon. Their cultural practices were studied through participant observations, ethnographic interviews and writing field notes. Collected data were analyzed step-by-step using Creswell's data analysis method. Findings: The nine main themes that emerged were: reasons for late awareness of diabetes, misconceptions, cultural beliefs and practices, non-adherence, cultural influences on controlling diet, limitations in physical activities, suffering of living with diabetes, emotional reactions and coping by way of religious or spiritual beliefs. Fourty-six subthemes support the main themes. Discussion: It was found that Bamar diabetics in this study were being strongly influenced by cultural beliefs and practices on treatment choice and controlling diet. They believed that diabetes is a curable disease, and its cause is due to cultural factors such as karma from either a previous or their current life. Bamar diabetic patients in this study used a variety of medicinal plants and traditional medicines due to availability at affordable prices. Conclusion: Although some cultural beliefs are not harmful, some have detrimental effects on these patients' health. Hopefully, this study may provide information which can reduce cultural influences on Bamar diabetic patients. The results of this study highlight patients' needs for nursing personnel when it comes to providing effective culturally-tailored care.

The cultural beliefs and practices of diabetes self-management in Javanese diabetic patients: An ethnographic study

“…Participants also stated believing that DM can be cured by self-management and by God's will. This corresponds to the results of a study in Myanmar, which found participants believed diabetes could be cured completely through the use of traditional medicine [ 23 ]. While such positive thinking may benefit DM patients, health care providers should educate their patients about the cause and management of the disease.…”

“…For example, an African American may refuse to use insulin because of a cultural view that insulin can cause diabetes complications and damage to organs [ 20 , 21 ]. Culture can also make patients choose traditional remedies over modern medicine, as has been seen in Mexico, and Myanmar [ 22 , 23 ]. Cultural beliefs have been shown to lead to raised blood glucose levels [ 24 ], and to promote fatalistic beliefs about diabetes [ 25 ].…”

Trajectory, Perceived Causes and Efforts in Diabetes Self-management: A Qualitative Study Among Young People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Caregivers

“…Monitoring the calorie intake using mobile applications, reducing food portion and avoiding sweetened foods and beverages were common practices which are in line with the common dietary recommendations for young people with T2DM (11). Meanwhile, the strategies in rice intake are in agreement with the previous research conducted in Asian countries; where rice is a staple food in these countries (35,39). Nevertheless, the foreign investment in the food industry, unfettered marketing of processed foods and the wide accessibility and affordability of unhealthy foods and beverages can potentially lead to uncontrolled consumption thus increased the risk of T2DM complications among the young patients (40).…”

Cultural Beliefs and Practices in Self-Management of Diabetes Among Pnar Women in Meghalaya, India

“…Few participants also believed that diabetes could be cured through herbal remedies and that home remedies could help reduce blood glucose levels. The use of vegetables as home remedies to bring down blood glucose levels and relieve symptoms was also been reported in the study conducted by Wah Oo et al 42 in Myanmar. Similarly, in their study to find the common herbs used by the village people of Kerala for curing diabetes mellitus, Jasna et al 43 found guava leaf, fenugreek, neem, gooseberry, curry leaves, ladies' finger, leaves of passion fruit, turmeric, ginger, and spinach were the common herbs reported to be used by the people.…”

“…Religiosity and spirituality act as coping mechanisms among people living with diabetes because it has been found that people with high religiosity could lower their blood glucose levels but not those with low religiosity. 40 In their ethnographic study in Myanmar, Wah Oo et al 42 reported similar findings where spiritual and religious beliefs act as coping mechanisms for diabetes. However, van Houtum 53 argues that religion can dictate a lifestyle or habits that harm an individual’s health or complicate existing illnesses.…”