Background and Purpose: South Asians are a fast-growing ethnic minority in the Atlanta metro area and are at high risk for developing diabetes. In order to create culturally competent practices and interventions, it is critical to understand the nuances in health beliefs, attitudes towards diabetes, and cultural and religious practices.
Methods: Design: Key informant interviews were conducted with participants as part of a mixed-methods study. After 5 interviews, a codebook was created with themes through inductive analysis, and interview questions were adjusted for clarity. Analyses were done using MAXQDA. Transcripts were reviewed and coded; any discrepancies in coding were discussed and resolved in weekly meetings. Semi-structured 60 minute interviews (n=8) were conducted online or in-person and recorded.
Results: Of 2,460 participants enrolled in the parent study, 71 were selected for interviews based on age (18-79), gender, and religious backgrounds. Stratifying by generational cohort and nativity revealed differences in beliefs about healthy behavior (including physical activity and nutritional preferences) and interactions with various healthcare systems. Participants’ beliefs on mindfulness, meditation, and cultural foods affected their health and lifestyle choices. Most immigrants had different perceptions of western medicine and experiences with the U.S. healthcare system compared to ayurvedic medicine. Common areas of confusion included prescriptions and obtaining medications, insurance status, and distrust in medical practitioners. Conversely, first generation participants reported greater health knowledge and engagement in healthy practices to prevent diabetes.
Discussion: Health beliefs and practices among South Asians vary by nativity, education, age, generational cohort, and sociocultural customs. Future studies should address how nativity and age might affect engagement in lifestyle change for South Asians.
D.Arora: None. I.Rajwani: None. M.K.Shah: None.
