Beliefs About the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes Among First-Generation Asian Indians in the United States

Introduction Asian Indians (AIs) have the highest prevalence rates (18.3%-29%) of diabetes in any minority group in the United States, yet little is known about their beliefs about what causes type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine first generation AIs causal beliefs about type 2 diabetes. Method Interpretative phenomenology was used to interview 12 first-generation AI participants with type 2 diabetes to elicit causal beliefs of their disease. Interpretative and thematic analysis were completed. Results Beliefs about the causes of diabetes in AIs were influenced by a general familiarity with the disease, limited knowledge about causal and preventative factors of the disease, and gender specific roles and norms. Discussion Health programs that aim to incorporate AI's cultural and health beliefs about the causes of diabetes are warranted.