The lived experiences of diabetes healthcare for South Asian Muslims in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Health Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand
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Date
2023
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Massey University
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Abstract
Diabetes is a disease with a high prevalence and societal burden that disproportionately impacts those of South Asian ancestry. Diabetes can involve demanding and complex self-management dynamics and is associated with significant complications and psychosocial factors. Despite its disproportionate impact upon South Asians, they are under-researched as a minority group, so less is known about their experiences and needs, which can compromise quality of care. In this paper I interviewed 10 South Asian Muslims with Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealand to explore their lived experiences of diabetes healthcare, how they made sense of their diabetes in relational and cultural contexts, and the various healthcare barriers and facilitators they experienced. I analysed these interviews using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Findings were considered through the theoretical frameworks of healthism, relational healthism and Foucaultian theories of power and discourse. I identified several themes that related to participants' dynamics of worry regarding diagnosis, of complications, and of navigating food choices, as well as participants’ dislike and distrust of medication approaches. Participants stories further highlighted the significance of family, and the various ways that they felt that their cultural needs were not being met. Participants frequently reported experiences demonstrating breakdowns in shared-decision making processes, which provide significant opportunities for improvement, for a more culturally competent and equitable Aotearoa.