Promoting physical activity among South Asian women with coronary heart disease and diabetes: what might help?
BACKGROUND
People of South Asian origin have higher mortality and morbidity from coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes than those of European origin. However, physical activity, of established value in primary and secondary prevention, appears lower among South Asians.


OBJECTIVE
To explore influences on, and attitudes towards, physical activity among South Asian women with CHD and diabetes to inform secondary prevention strategies.


METHODS
Exploratory qualitative study with women aged 26-70 years of varying South Asian ethnicity, religion and socio-economic background with CHD and/or non-insulin-dependent diabetes were recruited from primary care practices in the UK.


RESULTS
The beneficial use of physical activity to improve and limit progression of their disease was largely unrecognized by the women interviewed. They were uncertain what type and level of physical activity was appropriate and safe for them. They operated their own threshold for physical activity in relation to their condition, which they were afraid to exceed. Specific guidance from health professionals was lacking. Respondents emphasized the cultural importance of being active day to day, rather than the 'Western' concepts of organized exercise. However, women's principal motivations and attitudes towards physical activity, to loose weight, socialize and maintain independence, were culturally similar to 'majority' populations.


CONCLUSIONS
Better health professional guidance on appropriate physical activity, its health benefits and its safety is needed for this highly at-risk group. Promoting informal moderate-intensity physical activity may help. Strategies should avoid any tendency to overemphasize cultural barriers noting greater similarities than differences between cultural groups.
Sriskantharajah
Janani
J
School of Community Health Sciences, Graduate Medical School, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK.
Kai
Joe
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001211:Asia, Western / Q000208:ethnology; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015444:Exercise; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D016387:Women's Health / Q000208:ethnology*