A grounded theory of the balancing act South Asian mothers engage in to negotiate a healthy family lifestyle
Introduction Overall the evidence is consistent and robust that UK South Asian communities are at elevated risk of lifestyle related disease. A potential worsening of obesity related risk in South Asian children carries implications for persisting disparities in chronic disease across generations making it advantageous to target this specific group for obesity prevention. Psychosocial factors are particularly important in obesity and key to understanding the determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviour, and factors that might influence behaviour modification in South Asians. The study aims to identify beliefs and perceptions that contribute to health risk and health protective behaviours in young UK South Asian families and to develop a theory which can be used to define specific objectives that lead to effective behaviour change to improve health outcomes for this population. Design Grounded theory methodology was applied to investigate how factors influence South Asian mother’s decisions to engage in health behaviours for themselves and their children taking into account specific beliefs and practices influencing health behaviours. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven female participants who were mothers to young children aged 5-12 years of age. Results The grounded theory is underpinned by three categories that emerged out of analysis of the data; cultural identity, health beliefs and barriers. These categories and their properties, tell the story of the influences and pressures on South Asian mothers as they attempt to negotiate a healthy family lifestyle. The data emerged to form a grounded theory of the balancing act South Asian mothers engage in to negotiate a healthy family lifestyle. Conclusions This study contributes to an improved understanding of the unique factors influencing young South Asian family’s health behaviours and recognition of the need to help them to find a healthier lifestyle balance. In addition, it has revealed how these factors relate to the initiation and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and will be of use to health professionals and service providers when designing interventions to address and prevent health inequalities among this group. Emphasising the need to involve both the family and their community in interventions, in order for them to be effective. Limitations of these findings and their implications for future research and practice are considered.
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