Cultural factors influencing the eating behaviours of type 2 diabetes in the British South-Asian population: a scoping review of the literature

Abstract

# Background The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Britain is rising, with south-Asians being particularly vulnerable. This is attributed to cultural differences affecting south-Asians' health behaviours in the risk and management of T2DM. Understanding cultural influences on eating practices is therefore vital in improving health behaviours in the South-Asian community and combatting the increasing burden of T2DM. # Methods A scoping literature review was conducted for primary studies conducted in Britain, qualitatively examining South-Asians' attitudes, beliefs and behaviours regarding their eating practices in the risk and management of T2DM. searches were conducted between January 2000 and December 2022 on PubMed, Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts, Scopus, and International Bibliography of the Social Sciences. An inductive grounded theory approach was applied for data synthesis and analysis. # Results 19 primary studies were identified. Stigma, lack of awareness, gender and food norms and culturally inappropriate healthcare advice prevented healthy eating behaviours. Family involvement and tailoring advice to south-Asian lifestyles enabled healthy eating. Varying attitudes existed between participants of differing age, generation, and education levels. # Conclusions A multi-interventional approach is needed to improve awareness, mitigate stigma, and make healthy eating more accessible to south-Asians. Health professionals require improved understanding of the cultural context. Further research is recommended to explore social factors affecting South-Asians' health behaviours and ensure interventions are contextually suitable.