Understanding adherence-related beliefs about medicine amongst patients of South Asian origin with diabetes and cardiovascular disease patients: a qualitative synthesis
Authors
Kanta Kumar
Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
Sheila Greenfield
Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
Karim Raza
Centre for Translational Inflammation Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
Paramjit Gill
Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
Rebecca Stack
Centre for Translational Inflammation Research, The School of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
Keywords:
Adherence, South Asian, Ethnicity, Meta-synthesis, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease
Abstract
Prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular (CVD) disease amongst UK South Asians is higher than in the general population. Non-adherence to medicines may lead to poor clinical outcomes for South Asian patients with diabetes and CVD. To understand the decision making processes associated with taking medicines, a qualitative systematic meta-synthesis exploring medicine taking behaviours, and beliefs was undertaken.
Methods
Four databases (Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index and CINAHL) were searched to identify qualitative studies of South Asian patients taking diabetic medicines. Data were thematic coded and synthesised.
Results
The following themes were identified: [1] beliefs about the need for and efficacy of medicines; [2] toxicity of medicines and polypharmacy; [3] the necessity of traditional remedies versus “western medicines”; [4] stigma and social support; and [5] communication.
Conclusions
South Asians described cultural social stigma associated with diabetes and reported fears about drug toxicity as barriers to taking medicines. Cultural beliefs about traditional remedies and interactions with healthcare professionals also appeared to play a role in the way people made decisions about medicines. Advice should be tailored provided to South Asian patients highlighting the long term consequences of diabetes and CVD.
Keywords: Adherence, South Asian, Ethnicity, Meta-synthesis, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease
Author Biographies
Kanta Kumar, Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
Karim Raza, Centre for Translational Inflammation Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
Rheumatology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, B18 7QH UK
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