Nutrition and Dietetics
Volume 73, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 28-35

Sociocultural factors and perceptions associated with type 2 diabetes among sub-Saharan African migrants in Melbourne, Victoria (Article)

Issaka A.* , Lamaro G. , Renzaho A.
  • a School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Hume City Council, Policy and Planning, Aged Services, Public Health Department, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  • b School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Centre for Health through Action on Social Exclusion (CHASE), Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  • c School of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Migration, Social Disadvantage and Health Programs, Monash University, Australia, Centre for International Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

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. © 2016 Dietitians Association of Australia.

Author Keywords

Migrants beliefs Perceptions Refugees type 2 diabetes

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84956694008&doi=10.1111%2f1747-0080.12167&partnerID=40&md5=94daab27bc8cc46f57e650d570e1fc21
DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12167
ISSN: 14466368
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English