Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 13, Issue 5, 2011, Pages 914-918
Perceptions of health and diabetes in a Melbourne South Sudanese community (Article)
Yeoh S.W.* ,
Furler J.
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a
Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, 16 Champion Crescent, Glen Waverley, Melbourne, VIC 3150, Australia
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b
Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, 16 Champion Crescent, Glen Waverley, Melbourne, VIC 3150, Australia
Abstract
This qualitative study explored how members of the Dinka South Sudanese community in West Melbourne perceive diabetes within the context of their broader health circumstances. These perceptions may guide health services aiming to prevent diabetes and chronic disease. 3 focus groups were conducted with 25 participants. Recorded discussions were transcribed and interrogated through a grounded theory approach. Diabetes and chronic diseases were familiar to participants, but issues they claimed not to understand well. The Australian social environment was seen to propagate unhealthy lifestyle changes, while experiences with Australian health services were dissatisfying. Mental distress was perceived as significantly detracting from the community's health. Preventative health interventions in this community, while emphasising education and healthy lifestyle behaviours, should also acknowledge underlying socio-historical contexts and the psychiatric burden of forced migration. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.
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Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-81355139057&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-010-9427-4&partnerID=40&md5=e7e55f12d63020a239dfed5f0e153249
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-010-9427-4
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English