Sixty-five Asians were interviewed in their homes to ascertain their health knowledge and their use of alcohol, cigarettes and malaria prophylaxis. Knowledge of the health hazards of cigarettes, alcohol and surma and of the prevention of heart disease was low. Knowledge of rickets prevention may reflect an earlier educational campaign. Beliefs on health maintenance in pregnancy conformed with medical recommendations, but the use of malaria prophylaxis did not. Taboos concerning cigarettes and alcohol were demonstrated and may explain the low prevalence in their use within subgroups of this community. The traditional taboo regarding the avoidance of protein-rich ‘hot’ foods by pregnant women enjoyed little support. Asians' knowledge of these health issues, though inadequate, was firmly based on the Western health model. Educational campaigns, particularly on the prevention of circulatory disorders, are indicated.
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Raj Bhopal (1986) studied this question.