Empowering patients with diabetes: a qualitative primary care study focusing on South Asians in Leicester UK

Objectives. We aimed to explore the experience and attitudes of primary care patients with diabetes living in a UK community with a high proportion of South Asian patients of Indian origin, with particular reference to patient empowerment. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with diabetes attending two general practices in Leicester, UK. Patients were interviewed in English, Gujarati or Punjabi and interviews were transcribed with translation into English where necessary. Broad themes were identified and Framework charting was used to organise data for analysis. Results. Interviews were conducted with 15 South Asian and 5 white patients. We identified both similar and culturally specific elements within the experience, attitudes and barriers in the two ethnic groups. High regard for education, particularly in South Asians, was associated with a positive attitude to empowerment through knowledge, but also sometimes led to low motivation to become partners in diabetes management. High prevalence of diabetes and strong family networks meant that families were an important source of knowledge for South Asians and that these patients generally had good emotional support. Practical considerations such as the need for a convenient venue for educational initiatives were common to both ethnic groups, but some cultural preferences were also identified, for example for appropriate language provision and separate gender sessions. Conclusions. Educational initiatives aimed at promoting self-management in chronic diseases such as diabetes need to be designed with an awareness of the complexity of social and cultural experiences and attitudes in target communities.