Abstract
South Asian children and parents have been shown to have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) relative to white individuals. To design interventions aimed at addressing the comparatively higher burden in South Asians, a better understanding of attitudes and perspectives regarding CVD-associated behaviors is needed. As a result, we sought to understand knowledge about CVD risk in both children and parents, and attitudes toward physical activity and diet in both the children and parents, including potential cultural influences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 South Asian child-and-parent dyads representing a range of child body mass index (BMI) levels, ages, and with both sexes. South Asian children and parents demonstrated good knowledge about CVD prevention; however, knowledge did not always translate into behavior. The influence of social and cultural dynamics on behavior was also highlighted. To ensure that interventions aimed at this population are effective, an understanding of the unique social dynamics that influence diet and physical activity–related behaviors is needed.
Highlights
South Asian ethnicity refers to individuals who have ethnic roots in the countries that collectively make up the Indian subcontinent
The present study focuses on understanding (1) knowledge about cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in both children and parents and (2) attitudes toward physical activity and diet in both the parents and children, including potential cultural influences
Four key themes emerged from the data analysis: knowledge about the role of behavioral factors in CVD prevention, attitudes toward diet, attitudes toward physical activity, and the impact of influential actors/medium on health behaviour
Summary
South Asian ethnicity refers to individuals who have ethnic roots in the countries that collectively make up the Indian subcontinent. These countries include Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Lifestyle intervention studies aimed at addressing the burden of CVD in South Asians in primary care settings have demonstrated modest promise in weight, blood This observation holds true for young South Asian children as studies have documented a higher prevalence of hypertension and higher body fat relative to white children.[2,3] South Asian children and adults tend to have lower levels of physical activity, higher consumption of dietary fat, and a limited knowledge of CVD risk and health practices,[4,5] suggesting that significant potential for CVD risk reduction in South Asians might lie in targeting behavior.
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