Open AccessCardiovascular Disease & Cancer Risk Among South Asians: Impact of Sociocultural Influences on Lifestyle and Behavior
Author(s) -
Namratha R. Kandula,
Munerah Ahmed,
Sunita Dodani,
Leena Gupta,
Paromita Hore,
Alka M. Kanaya,
Aijaz Ali Khowaja,
Ashish Mathur,
Darshan H. Mehta,
Ranjita Misra,
Muhammad Wasim Paracha,
Nazleen Bharmal,
Mira Aghhi,
Jennifer Leng,
Francesca Gany
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of immigrant and minority health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.758
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1557-1920
pISSN - 1557-1912
DOI - 10.1007/s10903-017-0578-4
Subject(s) - sociocultural evolution , immigration , public health , disease , medicine , gerontology , asian indian , community health , population , ethnic group , environmental health , political science , nursing , pathology , law
A comprehensive literature review revealed cultural beliefs, societal obligations, and gender roles within the South Asian community to be indirect contributors to the health of South Asian immigrants (SAIs). Health professionals need to increase their work with SAI communities to change less beneficial cultural elements such as misconceptions about health and exercise, and lack of communication when using alternative medicines. Community engaged efforts and continuing medical education are both needed to improve the health of the South Asian immigrant population in a culturally appropriate manner.