TY - JOUR
T1 - 'I can't do any serious exercise'
T2 - Barriers to physical activity amongst people of Pakistani and Indian origin with Type 2 diabetes
AU - Lawton, J.
AU - Ahmad, N.
AU - Hanna, L.
AU - Douglas, M.
AU - Hallowell, N.
N1 - Funding Information:
We are grateful to all the people who helped with recruitment and to the patients who took part. This study has benefited from collaborations with Professor Raj Bhopal and the National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health. Additional thanks go to Margaret MacPhee and Ruth Scott for excellent secretarial assistance, and the members of our Advisory Group for their guidance and support. This study was funded by the Chief Scientist Office, Scottish Executive Health Department. The views expressed in the paper are those of the authors.
PY - 2006/2/1
Y1 - 2006/2/1
N2 - Type 2 diabetes is at least 4 times more common among British South Asians than in the general population. South Asians also have a higher risk of diabetic complications, a situation which has been linked to low levels of physical activity observed amongst this group. Little is known about the factors and considerations which prohibit and/or facilitate physical activity amongst South Asians. This qualitative study explored Pakistani (n = 23) and Indian (n = 9) patients' perceptions and experiences of undertaking physical activity as part of their diabetes care. Although respondents reported an awareness of the need to undertake physical activity, few had put this lifestyle advice into practice. For many, practical considerations, such as lack of time, were interwoven with cultural norms and social expectations. Whilst respondents reported health problems which could make physical activity difficult, these were reinforced by their perceptions and understandings of their diabetes, and its impact upon their future health. Education may play a role in physical activity promotion; however, health promoters may need to work with, rather than against, cultural norms and individual perceptions. We recommend a realistic and culturally sensitive approach, which identifies and capitalizes on the kinds of activities patients already do in their everyday lives.
AB - Type 2 diabetes is at least 4 times more common among British South Asians than in the general population. South Asians also have a higher risk of diabetic complications, a situation which has been linked to low levels of physical activity observed amongst this group. Little is known about the factors and considerations which prohibit and/or facilitate physical activity amongst South Asians. This qualitative study explored Pakistani (n = 23) and Indian (n = 9) patients' perceptions and experiences of undertaking physical activity as part of their diabetes care. Although respondents reported an awareness of the need to undertake physical activity, few had put this lifestyle advice into practice. For many, practical considerations, such as lack of time, were interwoven with cultural norms and social expectations. Whilst respondents reported health problems which could make physical activity difficult, these were reinforced by their perceptions and understandings of their diabetes, and its impact upon their future health. Education may play a role in physical activity promotion; however, health promoters may need to work with, rather than against, cultural norms and individual perceptions. We recommend a realistic and culturally sensitive approach, which identifies and capitalizes on the kinds of activities patients already do in their everyday lives.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=32644436975&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1093/her/cyh042
DO - 10.1093/her/cyh042
M3 - Article
C2 - 15955792
AN - SCOPUS:32644436975
SN - 0268-1153
VL - 21
SP - 43
EP - 54
JO - Health Education Research
JF - Health Education Research
IS - 1
ER -