Caribbean people's health beliefs about the body and their implications for diabetes management: a South London study

This article presents the findings of a study into Caribbean people's health beliefs about the body and their body related health practices in diabetes management. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods to explore these beliefs and practices, as well as those relating to food and eating and health and disease, among 80 people with diabetes and 80 people who did not have the disease. The findings showed that the sample had distinctive beliefs about blood and having ‘washouts’, i.e. taking laxatives, and some also observed fasts for various reasons. As regards weight management, having a ‘normal’ BMI was associated with health and attractiveness and there was no evidence that being large in size was culturally valued. The vast majority were unaware, however, of the relationship between obesity and the potential onset of diabetes. The implications of these health beliefs and practices for patient education are also discussed.