Asian Indian views on diet and health in the United States: importance of understanding cultural and social factors to address disparities

Fam Community Health. 2013 Oct-Dec;36(4):311-23. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0b013e31829d2549.

Abstract

This study describes Asian Indian immigrant perspectives surrounding dietary beliefs and practices to identify intervention targets for diabetes and heart disease prevention. Participants were asked about conceptualizations of relationships between culture, food, and health during 4 focus groups (n = 38). Findings reveal influences of beliefs from respondents' native India, preservation of cultural practices within the US social structure, conflicts with subsequent generations, and reinterpretation of health-related knowledge through a lens, hybridizing both "native" and "host" contexts. Galvanization of ethnically valued beliefs incorporating family and community structures is needed for multipronged approaches to reduce disproportionate burdens of disease among this understudied minority community.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asian People
  • Culture*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / ethnology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / prevention & control*
  • Diet / psychology*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Heart Diseases / ethnology
  • Heart Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • India / ethnology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • United States