1
|
Daffu-O'Reilly A, Bharj K, Horne M, O'Connor D, Conner M, Astin F. Exploring the Religious Practice of Langar as a Route to Health Promotion in the Sikh Community in Northern England: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024:10.1007/s10943-024-02077-6. [PMID: 38972918 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02077-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are prevalent among UK South Asians. Langar is a Sikh religious food practice that could be important in dietary health promotion. This study explored perceptions of langar, its role in health, readiness and strategies for change and whether Gurdwaras (Sikh place of worship) are able to support change. Using an exploratory qualitative design, we conducted eight focus groups and one single interview with 28 Gurdwara attendees (12 males, 16 females), analysing transcripts using thematic analysis. Four themes were developed that described the meaning of langar, the understanding of health among Sikhs, the evolution of langar and implications for health and changing langar to protect health. It can be concluded that any change to langar needs to be gradual, respectful and widely supported. This research has scope to continue in light of the potential impact on health for the Sikh community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrit Daffu-O'Reilly
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Baines Wing, Leeds, LS2 9JT, England.
| | - Kuldip Bharj
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Baines Wing, Leeds, LS2 9JT, England
| | - Maria Horne
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Baines Wing, Leeds, LS2 9JT, England
| | - Daryl O'Connor
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, England
| | - Mark Conner
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, England
| | - Felicity Astin
- School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes, PO Box 197, Buckinghamshire, MK7 6AA, England
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Padda I. Cardiovascular health amongst South Asian populations in British Columbia: A situational and comparative analysis of preventative strategies. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102570. [PMID: 38604417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
This analysis provides an overview of cardiovascular health among South Asian populations in British Columbia (BC), Canada utilizing peer-reviewed literature, alongside data from public health authorities and relevant jurisdictions. The analysis identified risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) amongst South Asians and discussed preventative public health strategies and interventions to mitigate disease burden. The situational analysis discussed the disproportionate increased risk for CVD in South Asians when compared to other ethnicities in BC, highlighting lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, socio-economic status (SES), and post-migration-related challenges. The analysis identified a disproportionate increase in heart disease in South Asian males and females when compared to White males and females. A review of evidence from peer-reviewed literature identified previously conducted studies and intervention strategies to address CVD and its risk factors. Common themes across multiple studies included addressing physical inactivity and dietary habits as increased cholesterol, obesity, and DM reported as the most common prevalent CVD risk factors in South Asians. The most significantly studied modifiable risk factors in literature for South Asians included diet and physical inactivity. To identify promising public health interventions, a comparative analysis was conducted identifying multiple public health programs from three different jurisdictions: Ontario, New York, and California to better understand successful preventative strategies to decrease risk factors for CVD. A New York based study implemented preventive health programs at employment sites with high prevalence of South Asians, such as Taxi drivers. Successful interventions included culturally relevant diabetes prevention programs, community outreach and health risk assessments in religious centers, health fairs at employment sites, and culturally competent online behavioural modification programs addressing diet and physical activity. Findings from the analysis suggest successful implementation of programs include those from a cultural lens. These include culturally tailored virtual classes, programs with modified risk assessment tools, preventative health community outreach in religious centers, interventions at workplaces with a high number of South Asians, and behavioural modification programs with nutritionists and health coaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inderbir Padda
- University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle Washington, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Richmond University Medical Center/Mount Sinai, Staten Island, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Voogdt-Pruis HR, van den Brekel L, Wispelweij L, Jawalapershad L, Narain S, Vaartjes ICH, Grobbee DE, Klipstein-Grobusch K. Towards Better Culturally Tailored Cardiometabolic Prevention Among the South-Asian Surinamese in the Netherlands. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606380. [PMID: 38090667 PMCID: PMC10713809 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606380] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To gain insight in the motives and determinants for the uptake of healthy lifestyles by South-Asian Surinamese people to identify needs and engagement strategies for healthy lifestyle support. Methods: We used a mixed-method design: first, focus groups with South-Asian Surinamese women; second, a questionnaire directed at their social network, and third, interviews with health professionals. Qualitative content analysis, basic statistical analyses and triangulation of data were applied. Results: Sixty people participated (n = 30 women, n = 20 social network, n = 10 professionals). Respondent groups reported similar motives and determinants for healthy lifestyles. In general, cardiometabolic prevention was in line with the perspectives and needs of South-Asian Surinamese. However, there seems to be a mismatch too: South-Asian Surinamese people missed a culturally sensitive approach, whereas professionals experienced difficulty with patient adherence. Incremental changes to current lifestyles; including the social network, and an encouraging approach seem to be key points for improvement of professional cardiometabolic prevention. Conclusion: Some key points for better culturally tailoring of preventive interventions would meet the needs and preferences of the South-Asian Surinamese living in the Netherlands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene R. Voogdt-Pruis
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lieke van den Brekel
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lian Wispelweij
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ilonca C. H. Vaartjes
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Diederick E. Grobbee
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
SenthilKumar G, Mathieu NM, Freed JK, Sigmund CD, Gutterman DD. Addressing the decline in graduate students' mental well-being. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H882-H887. [PMID: 37624099 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00466.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
At the American Physiology Summit 2023 session entitled, "Mental Health for Graduate Students," numerous students expressed struggling with poor mental well-being primarily because of negative experiences during their graduate training. In fact, studies show that up to 50% of graduate students report symptoms of depression, anxiety, or burnout during their training, and poor mental well-being is a major contributor to students' decision to leave academia. Most of the current solutions focus on treatment or wellness strategies; while these are important and necessary, the training environment or culture that often contributes to worsening well-being continues to persist. In this collaborative article between trainees and mentors across various career stages, we discuss how the pace of scientific advancements and the associated competition, lack of sufficient support for students from diverse backgrounds, and mentor-mentee relationships crucially influence graduate students' mental well-being. We then offer specific solutions at the individual, institutional, and national levels that can serve as a starting point for improving graduate students' mental health and overall training experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gopika SenthilKumar
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Natalia M Mathieu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Julie K Freed
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Curt D Sigmund
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - David D Gutterman
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| |
Collapse
|