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Katangwe-Chigamba T, Kantilal K, Hartley-Palmer J, Salisu-Olatunji SO, Seeley C, Naughton F, Chester R. Diet and Physical Activity Interventions for People from Minority Ethnic Backgrounds in the UK: A Scoping Review Exploring Barriers, Enablers and Cultural Adaptations. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02112-y. [PMID: 39145834 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02112-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are a global pandemic, driven by obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity. In the UK, the prevalence of T2D and CVD is higher in minority ethnic groups. Lifestyle prevention interventions can be effective but uptake amongst minority ethnic groups in the UK is low and the extent of cultural adaptations to increase engagement unknown. AIM To explore barriers, enablers and culturally adapted lifestyle interventions in UK minority ethnic groups. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched from to January 2013-2023. Two independent reviewers carried out manuscript selection and data extraction. Barriers and enablers were mapped to the Capability + Opportunity + Motivation = Behaviour (COM-B) theoretical model. Intervention adaptations were linked to behaviour change strategies and reported within a Cultural Adaptation framework. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were included, reporting barriers/enablers, culturally adapted interventions or both. Barriers and enablers mostly mapped to social and physical opportunity, and reflective motivation. Common adaptation strategies considered behavioural influences related to culture, values, religious beliefs and/or traditions. Most impactful strategies were associated with using credible sources of information and reorganising social and environmental contexts. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The current umbrella approach to preventative intervention delivery is unlikely to promote sustained participation in behaviour change amongst UK ethnic minorities. Engagement strategies for this population should consider key determinants such as social contexts, beliefs and cultural norms. Important research gaps include interventions investigating tailored interventions for Black populations, and the impact of negative social experiences (e.g., racism) on engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thando Katangwe-Chigamba
- Norwich Clinical Trials Unit, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom.
| | - Kumud Kantilal
- Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Hartley-Palmer
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | - Carys Seeley
- Norwich Clinical Trials Unit, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Naughton
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Chester
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Christoffersen NB, Nilou FE, Thilsing T, Larsen LB, Østergaard JN, Broholm-Jørgensen M. Exploring targeted preventive health check interventions - a realist synthesis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1928. [PMID: 37798691 PMCID: PMC10557298 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16861-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventive health checks are assumed to reduce the risk of the development of cardio-metabolic disease in the long term. Although no solid evidence of effect is shown on health checks targeting the general population, studies suggest positive effects if health checks target people or groups identified at risk of disease. The aim of this study is to explore why and how targeted preventive health checks work, for whom they work, and under which circumstances they can be expected to work. METHODS The study is designed as a realist synthesis that consists of four phases, each including collection and analysis of empirical data: 1) Literature search of systematic reviews and meta-analysis, 2) Interviews with key-stakeholders, 3) Literature search of qualitative studies and grey literature, and 4) Workshops with key stakeholders and end-users. Through the iterative analysis we identified the interrelationship between contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes to develop a program theory encompassing hypotheses about targeted preventive health checks. RESULTS Based on an iterative analysis of the data material, we developed a final program theory consisting of seven themes; Target group; Recruitment and participation; The encounter between professional and participants; Follow-up activities; Implementation and operation; Shared understanding of the intervention; and Unintended side effects. Overall, the data material showed that targeted preventive health checks need to be accessible, recognizable, and relevant for the participants' everyday lives as well as meaningful to the professionals involved. The results showed that identifying a target group, that both benefit from attending and have the resources to participate pose a challenge for targeted preventive health check interventions. This challenge illustrates the importance of designing the recruitment and intervention activities according to the target groups particular life situation. CONCLUSION The results indicate that a one-size-fits-all model of targeted preventive health checks should be abandoned, and that intervention activities and implementation depend on for whom and under which circumstances the intervention is initiated. Based on the results we suggest that future initiatives conduct thorough needs assessment as the basis for decisions about where and how the preventive health checks are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Bjørnbak Christoffersen
- Research Program On Health and Social Conditions, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Freja Ekstrøm Nilou
- Research Program On Health and Social Conditions, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Thilsing
- Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Bruun Larsen
- Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern, Odense, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Zealand, Holbæk, Denmark
| | | | - Marie Broholm-Jørgensen
- Research Program On Health and Social Conditions, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Kalra D, Vijayaraghavan K, Sikand G, Desai NR, Joshi PH, Mehta A, Karmally W, Vani A, Sitafalwalla SJ, Puri R, Duell PB, Brown A. Prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in South Asians in the US: A clinical perspective from the National Lipid Association. J Clin Lipidol 2021; 15:402-422. [PMID: 33846108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It is now well recognized that South Asians living in the US (SAUS) have a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) that begins earlier and is more aggressive than age-matched people of other ethnicities. SA ancestry is now recognized as a risk enhancer in the US cholesterol treatment guidelines. The pathophysiology of this is not fully understood but may relate to insulin resistance, genetic and dietary factors, lack of physical exercise, visceral adiposity and other, yet undiscovered biologic mechanisms. In this expert consensus document, we review the epidemiology of ASCVD in this population, enumerate the challenges faced in tackling this problem, provide strategies for early screening and education of the community and their healthcare providers, and offer practical prevention strategies and culturally-tailored dietary advice to lower the rates of ASCVD in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kalra
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, 1620W. Harrison St, Kellogg Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
| | | | - Geeta Sikand
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Nihar R Desai
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Parag H Joshi
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Anurag Mehta
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wahida Karmally
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anish Vani
- New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Raman Puri
- Lipid Association of India, New Delhi, India
| | - P Barton Duell
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Alan Brown
- Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, United States
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Gore R, Patel S, Choy C, Taher M, Garcia-Dia MJ, Singh H, Kim S, Mohaimin S, Dhar R, Naeem A, Kwon SC, Islam N. Influence of organizational and social contexts on the implementation of culturally adapted hypertension control programs in Asian American-serving grocery stores, restaurants, and faith-based community sites: a qualitative study. Transl Behav Med 2020; 10:1525-1537. [PMID: 31260065 PMCID: PMC7796718 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension affects a third of U.S. adults and is especially high among Asian American groups. The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health for Asian AmeRicans (REACH FAR) project delivers culturally adapted, evidence-based hypertension-related programs to Bangladeshi, Filipino, Korean, and Asian Indian communities in New York and New Jersey through 26 sites: ethnic grocery stores, restaurants, and Muslim, Christian, and Sikh faith-based organizations. Knowledge of the implementation mechanisms of culturally adapted programs is limited and is critical to inform the design and execution of such programs by and in community sites. We applied four categories of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research-intervention and individuals' characteristics, inner and outer setting-to analyze factors influencing implementation outcomes, that is, site leaders' perceptions about adopting, adapting, and sustaining REACH FAR. We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 leaders, coded them for implementation outcomes, and recoded them to identify contextual factors. Our findings show that REACH FAR resonated in sites where leaders perceived unhealthy diet and lifestyles in their communities (intervention characteristics), sites had historically engaged in health programs as a public-service mission (inner setting), and leaders identified with this mission (individuals' characteristics). Site leaders strived to adapt programs to respond to community preferences (outer setting) without compromising core objectives (inner setting). Leaders noted that program sustainability could be impeded by staff and volunteer turnover (inner setting) but enhanced by reinforcing programs through community networks (outer setting). The findings suggest that to facilitate implementation of culturally adapted health behavior programs through community sites, interventions should reinforce sites' organizational commitments and social ties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Gore
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shilpa Patel
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Choy
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Md Taher
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Sara Kim
- Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sadia Mohaimin
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ritu Dhar
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Areeg Naeem
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simona C Kwon
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nadia Islam
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
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Agarwal G, Bhandari M, Pirrie M, Angeles R, Marzanek F. Feasibility of implementing a community cardiovascular health promotion program with paramedics and volunteers in a South Asian population. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1618. [PMID: 33109135 PMCID: PMC7590723 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The South Asian population in Canada is growing and has elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study sought to adapt an evidence-based community risk assessment and health promotion program for a South Asian community with a large proportion of recent immigrants. The aims were to assess the feasibility of implementing this program and also to describe the rates of cardiometabolic risk factors observed in this sample population. METHODS This was a feasibility study adapting and implementing the Community Paramedicine at Clinic (CP@clinic) program for a South Asian population in an urban Canadian community for 14 months. CP@clinic is a free, drop-in chronic disease prevention and health promotion program implemented by paramedics who provide health assessments, health education, referrals and reports to family doctors. All adults attending the recreation centre and temple where CP@clinic was implemented were eligible. Volunteers provided Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu translation. The primary outcome of feasibility was evaluated using quantitative process measures and a qualitative key informant interview. For the secondary outcome of cardiometabolic risk factor, data were collected through the CP@clinic program risk assessments and descriptively analyzed. RESULTS There were 26 CP@clinic sessions held and 71 participants, predominantly male (56.3-84.6%) and South Asian (87.3-92.3%). There was limited participation at the recreation centre (n = 19) but CP@clinic was well-attended when relocated to the local Sikh temple (n = 52). Having the volunteer translators was critical to the paramedics being able to collect the full risk factor data and there were some challenges with ensuring enough volunteers were available to staff each session; as a result, there were missing risk factor data for many participants. In the 26 participants with complete or almost complete risk factor data, 46.5% had elevated BP, 42.3% had moderate/high risk of developing diabetes, and 65.4% had an indicator of cardiometabolic disease. CONCLUSION Implementing CP@clinic in places of worship is a feasible approach to adapting the program for the South Asian population, however having a funded translator in addition to the volunteers would improve the program. Also, there is substantial opportunity for addressing cardiometabolic risk factors in this population using CP@clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada.
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Manika Bhandari
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Melissa Pirrie
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Ricardo Angeles
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Francine Marzanek
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
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Patel M, Boutin-Foster C, Phillips E. Understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors among Bangladeshi immigrants in New York City. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2019; 24:432-442. [PMID: 28669239 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2017.1346191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Among all South Asians, Bangladeshis have the highest prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of our study was to compare the understanding of CVD risk factors among Bangladeshi immigrants to the general Caucasian population in the U.S. DESIGN We surveyed Bangladeshi immigrants in Queens, New York using a CVD risk factor knowledge instrument used in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study to assess awareness of risk factors. Using multivariate regression modeling, we compared scores on the knowledge instrument between Bangladeshis we surveyed and Caucasians from the CARDIA study, controlling for potential confounders. We subsequently examined the frequency of mentioning each risk factor to understand what was driving the difference in the overall score. RESULTS The proportion of Bangladeshis scoring low on the knowledge assessment was 0.53, where as the proportion of whites scoring low in the CARDIA study was 0.32 (p value < .001). Whites were 34% more likely to score high than Bangladeshis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.52). Bangladeshis were more likely to mention diet and cholesterol as risk factors and less likely to mention lack of exercise, being overweight, and smoking as risk factors. CONCLUSION Understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors was lower among Bangladeshis than whites. This was driven by Bangladeshis having less awareness regarding how exercise and being overweight contribute to CVD. Community based interventions and community health partnerships should target these behavioral risk factors in the Bangladeshi population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir Patel
- a Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine , George Washington University , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Carla Boutin-Foster
- b Office of Diversity Education & Research , SUNY Downstate Medical Center , Brooklyn , NY , USA
| | - Erica Phillips
- c Division of General Internal Medicine , Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA
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Gupta SS, Teede H, Aroni R. Spicing up your advice for South Asian and Anglo-Australians with type 2 diabetes and CVD: Do cultural constructions of diet matter? Appetite 2018; 120:679-697. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Lang SJ, Abel GA, Mant J, Mullis R. Impact of socioeconomic deprivation on screening for cardiovascular disease risk in a primary prevention population: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e009984. [PMID: 27000783 PMCID: PMC4809080 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigate the association between socioeconomic deprivation and completeness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor recording in primary care, uptake of screening in people with incomplete risk factor recording and with actual CVD risk within the screened subgroup. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Nine UK general practices. PARTICIPANTS 7987 people aged 50-74 years with no CVD diagnosis. METHODS CVD risk was estimated using the Framingham equation from data extracted from primary care electronic health records. Where there was insufficient information to calculate risk, patients were invited to attend a screening assessment. ANALYSIS Proportion of patients for whom clinical data were sufficiently complete to enable CVD risk to be calculated; proportion of patients invited to screening who attended; proportion of patients who attended screening whose 10-year risk of a cardiovascular event was high (>20%). For each outcome, a set of logistic regression models were run. Crude and adjusted ORs were estimated for person-level deprivation, age, gender and smoking status. We included practice-level deprivation as a continuous variable and practice as a random effect to account for clustering. RESULTS People who had lower Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores (less deprived) had significantly worse routine CVD risk factor recording (adjusted OR 0.97 (0.95 to 1.00) per IMD decile; p=0.042). Screening attendance was poorer in those with more deprivation (adjusted OR 0.89 (0.86 to 0.91) per IMD decile; p<0.001). Among those who attended screening, the most deprived were more likely to have CVD risk >20% (OR 1.09 (1.03 to 1.15) per IMD decile; p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that those who had the most to gain from screening were least likely to attend, potentially exacerbating existing health inequalities. Future research should focus on tailoring the delivery of CVD screening to ensure engagement of socioeconomically deprived groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jane Lang
- General Practice & Primary Care Research Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gary A Abel
- Cambridge Centre for Health Services Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan Mant
- General Practice & Primary Care Research Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ricky Mullis
- General Practice & Primary Care Research Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Bhatnagar P, Shaw A, Foster C. Generational differences in the physical activity of UK South Asians: a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2015; 12:96. [PMID: 26187626 PMCID: PMC4506590 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-015-0255-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South Asians are some of the least active people in the UK, but we know very little about how physical activity varies within and between different UK South Asian groups. There is much socio-economic and cultural heterogeneity among UK Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, and the same approaches to increasing physical activity may not be appropriate for all people of these ethnic groups. We report on the variation in physical activity behaviour prevalence in quantitative studies and the variations in attitudes, motivations and barriers to physical activity among South Asians in qualitative papers. Methods We performed systematic searches in MEDLINE, Embase and Psychinfo for papers written in English and published between 1990 and 2014. We also attempted to search literature not published in peer-review journals (the ‘grey’ literature). We reported data for the quantitative observational studies and synthesised themes from the qualitative literature according to age-group. We assessed the quality of studies using a National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence tool. Results We included 29 quantitative papers and 17 qualitative papers. Thirteen papers reported on physical activity prevalence in South Asian children, with the majority comparing them to White British children. Four papers reported on adult second-generation South Asians and the rest reported on South Asian adults in general. Second-generation South Asians were more active than the first-generation but were still less active than the White British. There were no high quality qualitative studies on second-generation South Asian adults, but there were some studies on South Asian children. The adult studies indicated that the second-generation might have a more favourable attitude towards physical activity than the first-generation. Conclusions There is clear variation in physical activity levels among UK South Asians. Second-generation South Asians appear to be more physically active than the first-generation, but still less active than the White British. More qualitative research is needed to understand why, but there are indications that second-generation South Asians have a more positive attitude towards physical activity than the first-generation. Different strategies to increase physical activity may be needed for different generations of UK South Asians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Bhatnagar
- British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, OX3 7LF, Oxford, UK.
| | - Alison Shaw
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, OX3 7LF, Oxford, UK.
| | - Charlie Foster
- British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, OX3 7LF, Oxford, UK.
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Perry C, Thurston M, Alford S, Cushing J, Panter L. The NHS health check programme in England: a qualitative study. Health Promot Int 2014; 31:106-15. [PMID: 25073761 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dau059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite an extensive evidence-base linking patterns of health with social determinants, recent public health policy has emphasized 'lifestyle diseases' and risk factor modification through behavioural and pharmacological intervention. In England, one manifestation of this has been the launch of the National Health Service Health Check programme. This paper reports findings from a small-scale qualitative study exploring experiences of engaging with a community-based health check in Knowsley, England, among 17 males and 19 females, with varying levels of risk for cardiovascular disease, who agreed to be contacted for the purpose of research at the time they underwent their check. Analysis revealed that the community-based nature of the checks provided opportunities for people to find out more about their health who might not otherwise have done so. Participants expressed a range of responses to the communication of the risk score, often revealing their confusion about its meaning. Changes in behaviour were identified, which participants connected with having had a check. This study raises questions about where, how and by whom health checks are delivered. Emphasis on health checks reflects the dominant individualist ideology, but this study also suggests that the process provides opportunities to enable and empower individuals, albeit in small ways. However, they remain a 'downstream' approach to public health, emphasizing medical and behavioural options for risk factor reduction rather than focussing on primary prevention through changes to the wider environment. Furthermore, although developed as a central feature of the UK's strategy to reduce health inequalities, health checks may widen them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Perry
- Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6PB, UK
| | - Miranda Thurston
- Faculty of Public Health, Hedmark University College, Elverum, Norway
| | - Simon Alford
- University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4BJ, UK
| | - Jill Cushing
- Public Health, NHS Knowsley/Knowsley Council, Knowsley, UK
| | - Lee Panter
- Public Health, NHS Knowsley/Knowsley Council, Knowsley, UK
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