First call, home: perception and practice around health among South Asian migrants in Melbourne, Australia

The socio-cultural context of populations has a significant effect on health outcomes across every stage of life. In Australia, South Asian migrants have a comparatively higher incidence of chronic disease and less use of health services. Often overlooked are community views of health, cultural trai...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian journal of primary health 2022-02, Vol.28 (1), p.40-48
Main Authors: Subedi, Rajan, Kaphle, Sabitra, Adhikari, Manju, Dhakal, Yamuna, Khadka, Mukesh, Duwadi, Sabina, Tamang, Sunil, Shakya, Sonu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Asian people
Beliefs
Chronic illnesses
Community
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Cultural competence
Cultural groups
Data collection
Economic factors
Epidemics
Health behavior
Health beliefs
Health care policy
Health services utilization
Health status
Home remedies
Influence
Interviews
Medical research
Mental health
Mental health services
Migrants
Mixed methods research
Participation
Perceptions
Population
Researchers
Self evaluation
Social networks
Social norms
Sociocultural factors
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Summary:The socio-cultural context of populations has a significant effect on health outcomes across every stage of life. In Australia, South Asian migrants have a comparatively higher incidence of chronic disease and less use of health services. Often overlooked are community views of health, cultural traits and belief systems. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence health perception and practice of South Asian migrants. The study used a mixed method approach with both a survey and interviews. A total of 62 participants between the age of 18 and 64 years were surveyed and 14 participants completed interviews. Data were analysed descriptively and thematically. South Asians share a common perception and practice around health and illness. This paper highlights two key findings. First, these groups take a broad view of health encompassing physical, mental, emotional, social and economic aspects of life. Second, these cultural groups do not seek medical help as their first choice, but have a high level of trust in family for providing health advice and share a belief in the effectiveness of home remedies for managing health conditions. Participants shared their expectation that the Australian health system should consider their socio-cultural construct to make services culturally safe and engaging to enhance service utilisation.
ISSN:1448-7527
1836-7399
DOI:10.1071/PY21036