An analysis of dietary intakes, influential factors, and dietary intervention components conducted amongst female South Asian populations in Northwest England.

Abstract

Background: Poor dietary intake is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), prevalence which are high amongst female South Asians in the United Kingdom (UK). However, analysis of dietary intakes and behaviours amongst South Asian subgroups is lacking.
Thesis aim: To explore dietary intakes, influences, and dietary intervention components amongst female South Asian populations in the UK.
Methods: There were 3 phases. Phase 1: female South Asians recruited from community centres across Northwest England completed 4-day food diaries. Dietary intakes were compared against UK guidelines and between ethnic subgroups. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify dietary patterns. Phase 2: food diary free text entries on factors influencing diet were analysed using inductive content analysis. Phase 3: a scoping review of dietary interventions on female South Asians in the UK.
Results: Phase 1: 120 completed food diaries: Indian Hindu (n=51), Indian Sikh (n=11), Bangladeshi Muslim (n=30), and Pakistani Muslim (n=28). Total fat and free sugar intakes exceeded guidelines for the Pakistani subgroup and were significantly higher than the other subgroups (p <0.001). Dietary fibre and fruit and vegetable intakes were low for all four subgroups, although significantly higher intakes were observed amongst the Indian Hindu group (p <0.001). The Bangladeshi Muslims were the only subgroup to meet omega 3 guideline with significantly higher intakes compared to other subgroups (p < 0.001). The Pakistani subgroup showed a higher adherence to the processed dietary pattern and Indian Hindus the prudent dietary pattern.
Phase 2: 114 women completed the free text. Cultural identity, husbands’ dietary preferences and food outlet proximity were cited as dietary influences cited amongst the Indian Hindu, Bangladeshi Muslim, and Pakistani Muslim subgroups respectively.

Phase 3: Six articles were retrieved. Successful clinical and dietary behavioural end point outcomes appear to be related to the extent to which interventions are culturally adapted.

Conclusion: These observational findings highlight the complexity of dietary intakes and influential factors amongst subgroups of South Asian women living in the UK which has not been explored before. These findings provide a platform for future studies to further explore potential diversity in dietary behaviours between ethnic subgroups, which can inform nutrition researchers and health professionals with the knowledge and understanding of dietary practices amongst subgroups of South Asians. Moreover, findings from the scoping review suggest further investigation on the potential links between intervention components responsive to subgroup culture are necessary in order to formulate more specific recommendations.

Date of Award	11 Nov 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Edge Hill University
Supervisor	Peter Leadbetter (Director of Studies), GENEVIEVE STONE (Director of Studies) & MARIA PAOLA DEY (Director of Studies)