'A chronic disease is a disease which keeps coming back … it is like the flu': chronic disease risk perception and explanatory models among French- and Swahili-speaking African migrants (original) (raw)
Cooper, M., Harding, S., Mullen, K. and O'Donnell, C. 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5368-3779(2013) 'A chronic disease is a disease which keeps coming back … it is like the flu': chronic disease risk perception and explanatory models among French- and Swahili-speaking African migrants.Ethnicity and Health, 17(6), pp. 597-613. (doi: 10.1080/13557858.2012.740003) (PMID:23153320)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13557858.2012.740003
Abstract
Background African migrants to the West are at increased risk of hypertensive related diseases and certain cancers compared with other ethnic groups. Little is known about their awareness of this risk or knowledge of associated risk factors.
Objectives To explore African migrants' perceptions of chronic disease risk, risk factors and underlying explanatory models. Design In-depth interviews with 19 Africans from French- or Swahili-speaking countries living in Glasgow were conducted. Interviews were transcribed and 10 translated (3 Swahili and 7 French). Analysis was informed by a grounded theory approach. Results Narratives suggested low awareness of chronic disease risk among participants. Africans reported a positive outlook on life that discouraged thought about future sickness. Infectious diseases were considered the dominant health threat for African migrants, mainly HIV but also TB and 'flu'. Chronic diseases were sometimes described as contagious. Explanatory models of chronic disease included bodily/dietary imbalance, stress/exertion, heredity/predisposition and food contamination. Cancer was feared but not considered a major threat. Cancer was considered more common in Europe than Africa and attributed to chemical contamination from fertilisers, food preservatives and industrial pollution. Evidence cited for these chemicals was rapid livestock/vegetable production, large size of livestock (e.g., fish), softness of meat and flavourless food. Chemicals were reported to circulate silently inside the body and cancer to form in the part where they deposit, sometimes years later. Cardiovascular diseases were described in terms of acute symptoms that required short-term medication. Confidentiality concerns were reported to prevent discussion of chronic disease between Africans. Conclusion This study suggests a need to improve chronic disease health literacy among African migrants to promote engagement with preventive behaviours. This should build on not only participants' existing knowledge of disease causation and risk factors but also their self-reliance in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and desire to retain cultural knowledge and practice.| Item Type: | Articles |
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| Additional Information: | This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Ethnicity and Health, Copyright 2012 Taylor and Francis, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/13557858.2012.740003. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Harding, Professor Seeromanie and Mullen, Dr Kenneth and Cooper, Dr Maxwell and O'Donnell, Professor Kate |
| Authors: | Cooper, M., Harding, S., Mullen, K., and O'Donnell, C. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary CareCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSUCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing |
| Journal Name: | Ethnicity and Health |
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
| ISSN: | 1355-7858 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1465-3419 |
| Published Online: | 15 November 2012 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2012 Taylor and Francis |
| First Published: | First published in Ethnicity and Health |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record
Funder and Project Information
1
Top of Form Ethnicity and health Bottom of Form
Seeromanie Harding
MC_UU_12017/1
IHW - MRC/CSO SPHU
Deposit and Record Details
| ID Code: | 72285 |
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| Depositing User: | Ms Jane Goodfellow |
| Datestamp: | 21 Nov 2012 15:25 |
| Last Modified: | 01 May 2025 22:19 |
| Date of first online publication: | 15 November 2012 |
| Date Deposited: | 14 December 2015 |