Abstract
BackgroundPrevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular (CVD) disease amongst UK South Asians is higher than in the general population. Non-adherence to medicines may lead to poor clinical outcomes for South Asian patients with diabetes and CVD. To understand the decision making processes associated with taking medicines, a qualitative systematic meta-synthesis exploring medicine taking behaviours, and beliefs was undertaken.MethodsFour databases (Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index and CINAHL) were searched to identify qualitative studies of South Asian patients taking diabetic medicines. Data were thematic coded and synthesised.ResultsThe following themes were identified: [1] beliefs about the need for and efficacy of medicines; [2] toxicity of medicines and polypharmacy; [3] the necessity of traditional remedies versus “western medicines”; [4] stigma and social support; and [5] communication.ConclusionsSouth Asians described cultural social stigma associated with diabetes and reported fears about drug toxicity as barriers to taking medicines. Cultural beliefs about traditional remedies and interactions with healthcare professionals also appeared to play a role in the way people made decisions about medicines. Advice should be tailored provided to South Asian patients highlighting the long term consequences of diabetes and CVD.
Highlights
Prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular (CVD) disease amongst UK South Asians is higher than in the general population
People of South Asian origin may have worse prognosis associated with their diabetes when they migrate to western countries [5]
Little is known how cultural beliefs shape the way that medicines prescribed for the treatment of diabetes are taken by people of South Asian origin, either in South Asian countries or in countries to which they have migrated
Summary
Prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular (CVD) disease amongst UK South Asians is higher than in the general population. Non-adherence to medicines may lead to poor clinical outcomes for South Asian patients with diabetes and CVD. People of South Asian origin may have worse prognosis associated with their diabetes when they migrate to western countries [5]. Poor patient adherence to medicines (i.e. not taking medicines as prescribed) [7] can lead to poor clinical outcomes for patients with diabetes and CVD [8,9,10]. Little is known how cultural beliefs shape the way that medicines prescribed for the treatment of diabetes are taken by people of South Asian origin, either in South Asian countries or in countries to which they have migrated
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