Risk perception among older South Asian people in the UK with type 2 diabetes

Aim.  To report on a study which developed a knowledge of the experiences of South Asian people with diabetes in the UK in relation to socio-cultural and dietary practices, religion and ageing influences on the perception and understanding of risks. Background.  South Asian people have enhanced vulnerability to poor health as a result of diabetes. Risk perception and management is culturally mediated, yet imperative to the behaviour adjustments required for diabetes management. Method.  A grounded theory study with data collected by focus group with ethnic health development workers and individual interviews with 20 older people with diabetes. Where necessary, interpreters were involved in data collection. Findings.  A number of issues influence the perception of risk among South Asian older people with diabetes: beliefs about its cause, perceived severity and its visibility, food and its social function, religion and beliefs about external control over their life span and diabetes management. People weighed up the risks in making decisions about issues such as dietary management and the emphasis placed on diabetes as a pathology. Conclusion.  Good risk communication will maintain the current trend of improving patient's choice and self-management in health care, and there is a need for this to be sensitive to the particular issues faced by South Asians with diabetes in the UK.