What is the project?
One of the key aspects of engaging with patients and carers from ethnic minority backgrounds is being able to understand and relate to cultural and traditional practices. A commonly held practice is the use of natural remedies, particularly in the context of managing diabetes.
Although there is little conclusive scientific evidence on the use of certain natural remedies for the management of diabetes, this is a popular method adopted by South Asian patients, and may even be preferred over prescription medication for some people. In order to engage with this community and understand why medication adherence is often so low, it is important to understand the motivation behind the use of these natural remedies and how it affects their decision-making process when it relates to management of their diabetes.
Workshops were held within local community centres with a researcher and an artist. Stories were shared about beliefs and the traditions behind the use of natural remedies. Listening to these stories, our artist will be creating a mural which illustrates these beliefs which can be shared and awareness raised on the importance of understanding cultural beliefs in diabetes management.
We aim to raise awareness of these findings to healthcare professionals at an upcoming conference to ensure beliefs around alternate therapies are acknowledged within diabetes clinical review settings.
What is the aim?
This project aimed to understand the community’s beliefs around alternative therapies to managing their diabetes and to develop a piece of art to raise awareness about these cultural and traditional practices.
Who is involved?
The Centre for Ethnic Health Research
Local Artist – Azraa Motala
Local South Asian community members
Contact
Dr Shabana Cassambai – sc833@leicester.ac.uk