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Brewer G, Singh J, Lyons M. The Lived Experience of Racism in the Sikh Community. J Interpers Violence 2024; 39:2415-2436. [PMID: 38059486 PMCID: PMC11071603 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231218225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The Sikh community may be more visible and vulnerable to racism than other religious groups, and previous research has documented the racism targeted at Sikh men and women in the United States. Relatively few studies have, however, addressed the racism experienced by Sikh communities in other countries, where racism may be less closely connected to the events of 9/11. The present study investigates the lived experience of racism in Sikh adults living in the United Kingdom. Six participants (5 male, 1 female) aged 19 to 30 years (M = 24.17, SD = 3.98) were recruited via advertisements placed on social media. Both Amritdhari Sikhs (n = 4) who had undertaken the Amrit Sanskar initiation ceremony or commitment and Sahajdhari Sikhs (n = 2) who had not undertaken the initiation participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted (totaling 372 minutes of interview data), covering a range of subjects including personal experiences of racism and subsequent responses to the racist abuse. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the interview transcripts identified five superordinate themes. These were (1) Appearance and Visibility; (2) Inevitability and Normalization; (3) Coping and Conformity (Religion as Support, Fitting In, Internalization); (4) Education and Understanding; and (5) Bystander Behavior (Experiences of Intervention, Religious Duty to Intervene, Consequences of Intervention). Findings highlight the extent to which racism occurs and the increased vulnerability of the Sikh community (e.g., appearance being the focus of racist abuse). Findings also highlight the importance of religion as a source of support and cultural pride and the significance of education and bystander behavior. Future research should further investigate these themes and introduce interventions to support the safety and well-being of members of the Sikh community experiencing racist abuse.
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Kaur K. 'Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation!'; A literature review on alcohol addiction in the British Sikh and/or Punjabi community and the barriers to accessing support. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agad080. [PMID: 38016798 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The literature review aimed to identify the barriers the Punjabi and/or Sikh community have in accessing support for alcohol addiction. METHOD A systematic review of the literature was undertaken of four scholarly databases, Google Scholar and grey literature on UK-based research conducted after 1980 into alcohol addiction in the Punjabi and/or Sikh community. Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria outlined in the paper and were included in the review. RESULTS Ten main barriers to accessing support were found; stigma, religion, lack of understanding of addiction, over reliance on a medical model of treatment and disregard of therapy, cultural implications of being a member of the Punjabi and/or Sikh community and the addiction community, gender and generational differences and a lack of government commitment to alcohol support for BME communities with a lack of culturally specific services. CONCLUSION Despite the many barriers explored, the role of stigma remained a powerful theme throughout often underpinning other barriers. A key recommendation across many papers was the need for culturally sensitive support services. Several areas for future research were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamdeep Kaur
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Bradford District Care Trust, New Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, Shipley BD18 3LD, United Kingdom
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Stroope S, Kent BV, Schachter AB, Kanaya AM, Shields AE. Why Is Religious Attendance Linked to More Anxiety in U.S. South Asians? The Mediating Role of Congregational Neglect. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01764-6. [PMID: 37721667 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous research has identified a positive association between religious attendance and anxiety in U.S. South Asians. The current study assesses the mediating role of congregational neglect as a potential mechanism explaining this association. DESIGN Analyses relied on data from the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health (SSSH) questionnaire in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study (n = 936), the largest community-based study of health among U.S. South Asians. Analyses were conducted using path analysis and adjusted for a variety of background characteristics. RESULTS Results confirmed that higher levels of religious service attendance were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Congregational neglect was a significant mediator in this relationship, explaining 27% of the association between religious attendance and anxiety. Congregational neglect also had the second largest standardized coefficient in the model. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that congregational neglect plays an important intervening role in the connection between religious service attendance and anxiety among U.S. South Asians. The findings move beyond description, flagging a relevant social process which underlies the relationship. By recognizing the potential adverse effects of religious attendance on anxiety in this population, it may be possible to develop interventions aimed at enhancing social inclusion in South Asian religious communities. In addition to practical implications, this study highlights the need for further research on how communal religious participation shapes mental health in ethnic and racial minority populations in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Blake Victor Kent
- Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Boston, MA, USA
- Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Anna Boonin Schachter
- Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alka M Kanaya
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra E Shields
- Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and continues to have, a significant effect on individuals worldwide, and it is clear that minority communities including the Sikh community have been particularly affected by the virus. The current study assessed the impact of the pandemic in a sample of 44 British Sikhs across 11 virtual focus groups. Three main themes emerged including making meaningful connections, struggling to adjust and the organisation of gurdware (Sikh places of worship) in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight that faith may promote collective action for collective healing especially during mass trauma, with specific insight into what this may entail for the Sikh community.
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Sekhon SS, Jhajj AS, Gill HPS, Khan N, Tang TS. Undiagnosed Hypertension in Vancouver's Punjabi Sikh Community: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2022; 24:1371-1374. [PMID: 35384546 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01355-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
South Asians bear a greater burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to other ethnic groups and hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor. The purpose of this study was to examine rates and predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure among an immigrant Punjabi Sikh community in Vancouver. We recruited 350 adults (40% women; mean age 67.3 ± 11.9 years) across 5 Sikh temples and measured blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, waist circumference, socio-demographic background, and health history. 42% of participants had uncontrolled blood pressure of which one-third reported no previous history of hypertension. Based on modified cut-offs for South Asians, the mean waist circumferences across groups were well above target and 50% classified as obese. A higher percentage in the uncontrolled group (vs. controlled group) were of an older age, had a diabetes history and reported a physically active lifestyle. Findings suggest more efforts are needed to reduce the rates of uncontrolled blood pressure in this community. Interventions such as blood pressure drives, community-based outreach programs, and physical activity and dietary interventions should be explored to lower this CVD risk factor in this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarpreet S Sekhon
- Core Internal Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Division of Endocrinology, University of British Columbia, 4th floor, Diamond Health Care Centre, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Amrit S Jhajj
- Internal Medicine Program, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Harinder Pal S Gill
- Internal Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Nadia Khan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Center for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tricia S Tang
- Division of Endocrinology, University of British Columbia, 4th floor, Diamond Health Care Centre, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Singh R, Grewal B. Your Hair or Your Service: An Issue of Faith for Sikh Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:613-616. [PMID: 33616162 PMCID: PMC7929463 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sikh healthcare professionals make up a small but significant proportion of the workforce in the United Kingdom. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented healthcare staff across the country with challenges relating to safe clinical practice whilst wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Practising Sikhs are mandated to keep their hair unshorn and have been negatively impacted by some standard PPE requirements. This article aims to raise awareness of this issue and provide suggestions on how this conflict can be resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajinder Singh
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Bhajneek Grewal
- Palliative Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds UK
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Abstract
The study examined the impact of frequency of ritual participation on sense of community and social well-being of a minority community in India, the Sikhs. We looked at a unique ritualistic practice of the Sikhs, seva. Rituals are known to contribute toward social solidarity and cohesion as well as physical and mental well-being. In particular for a minority community, rituals help group members establish and maintain strong community networks and a unique group identity. A total of 156 members of the Sikh community (85 males; 71 females) participated in the study. Frequency of ritual participation was positively related with social well-being and sense of community. Furthermore, sense of community was found to mediate the effect of frequency of ritual participation on social well-being. Results are discussed in the light of the importance of studying rituals in minority groups, the frequency of participation in a ritual activity and the importance of addressing social well-being in ritual research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushbeen Kaur Sohi
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Purnima Singh
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Krutika Bopanna
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study describes the ethnocultural influences associated with managing diabetes (Type 2) in a small sample of older Sikh immigrants in Toronto, Canada. The South Asian community, which includes Sikhs, is the fastest growing immigrant population, the second largest visible minority in Canada, and is five times more likely to have diabetes than their Canadian counterparts. The relationship between culture, immigration, and management of diabetes has been recognized, but research of how these areas intersect in the Sikh community is sparse. DESIGN Data were collected using qualitative semi-structured interviews, and participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analysed using constant comparative methods. RESULTS The complexities of diabetes management are organized in this study as the (1) external (2) internal and (3) actualized experiences participants faced navigating cultural dynamics, understanding their diagnosis, and interacting with health resources. CONCLUSION An individual's diabetes diagnosis and treatment plan interacts with layers beyond the health system which must be understood in order to provide health care that is truly an empowering resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Uppal
- a School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences , Western University , London , ON , Canada
| | - Shannon L Sibbald
- a School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences , Western University , London , ON , Canada
- b Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health and Department of Family Medicine , Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , London , ON , Canada
| | - James Melling
- c School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences , Western University , London , ON , Canada
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Sidhu MS, Griffith L, Jolly K, Gill P, Marshall T, Gale NK. Long-term conditions, self-management and systems of support: an exploration of health beliefs and practices within the Sikh community, Birmingham, UK. Ethn Health 2016; 21:498-514. [PMID: 26758646 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2015.1126560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease, continues to rise. Internationally, people of South Asian origin (i.e. by birth or heritage) are much more likely to develop and live with NCDs compared to the general population. The South Asian diaspora population is highly heterogeneous, varying by socioeconomic status, migration history, religion and ethnicity. This article reports the findings of a study to explore the types of support accessed by Punjabi Sikhs living in Birmingham and the Black Country, UK, who were living with NCDs. DESIGN The study sought to develop a greater understanding of past experiences of accessing support and the importance of relationships in the mobilisation of resources for self-management. It was nested within a larger programme of research which explored attitudes to prevention of chronic diseases in local communities in the region. Seventeen Punjabi Sikh men and women were recruited through purposive sampling. Narrative interviews were conducted and analysed by the research team. Sociological theories on systems of support and social relations were consulted to inform the interpretation of data. RESULTS The study findings suggest that participants interpreted chronic disease self-management in relation to four primary systems of support: health services for disease management; multiple sources of care, including traditional Indian medicines and the Internet, for symptom management; community groups for lifestyle management; and the family for emotional and physical care. Within these systems of support, participants identified barriers and facilitators to the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. We focus on intra-group diversity; exploring the intersection of views and experiences by age, gender, generation and caste. CONCLUSION The findings have implications for the design and delivery of primary care and community services which support the prevention and management of NCDs in an increasingly diverse population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manbinder S Sidhu
- a Institute of Applied Health Research , University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Laura Griffith
- b Health Services Management Centre , University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Kate Jolly
- a Institute of Applied Health Research , University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Paramjit Gill
- a Institute of Applied Health Research , University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Tom Marshall
- a Institute of Applied Health Research , University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Nicola K Gale
- b Health Services Management Centre , University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
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Abstract
Sikhism is a relatively young religion, with Guru Granth Sahib as its key religious text. This text describes emotions in everyday life, such as happiness, sadness, anger, hatred, and also more serious mental health issues such as depression and psychosis. There are references to the causation of these emotional disturbances and also ways to get out of them. We studied both the Gurumukhi version and the English translation of the Guru Granth Sahib to understand what it had to say about depression, its henomenology, and religious prescriptions for recovery. We discuss these descriptions in this paper and understand its meaning within the context of clinical depression. Such knowledge is important as explicit descriptions about depression and sadness can help encourage culturally appropriate assessment and treatment, as well as promote public health through education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kalra
- Department of Psychiatry, M. G. M. Medical College and Hospital, M. G. M. University of Health Sciences, Kamothe, New-Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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