Beliefs About the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes Among First-Generation Asian Indians in the United States.

Introduction: Asian Indians (AIs) have the highest prevalence rates (18.3%-29%) of diabetes in any minority group in the United States, yet little is known about their beliefs about what causes type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine first generation AIs causal beliefs about type 2 diabetes.

Method: Interpretative phenomenology was used to interview 12 first-generation AI participants with type 2 diabetes to elicit causal beliefs of their disease. Interpretative and thematic analysis were completed.

Results: Beliefs about the causes of diabetes in AIs were influenced by a general familiarity with the disease, limited knowledge about causal and preventative factors of the disease, and gender specific roles and norms.

Discussion: Health programs that aim to incorporate AI's cultural and health beliefs about the causes of diabetes are warranted.