A socio-cultural study of type II diabetes mellitus among the Indian population in Reservoir Hills, Durban.
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Date
2001
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Abstract
Whereas there has been much interest amongst anthropologists in the West in studying
diseases such as Type II Diabetes Mellitus, there appears to be a paucity of local
anthropological studies that analyse the social and cultural dimensions of this disease.
In this country, according to the South African Diabetes Association, this disease is most
prevalent in the South African Indian population. This study focuses on the South African
Indian community in the suburb of Reservoir Hills, Durban, and examines socio-cultural
issues around diabetes.
Previous research conducted overseas has demonstrated a strong link: between rapid
socio-economic changes that affect diet and lifestyle, and increases in the incidence of this
disease among particular communities. This dissertation represents an attempt to:
1. Document salient features of the lifestyle, food beliefs and habits of the Indian
population.
2. Discuss significant changes in lifestyle and diet that may have contributed to the rise of
this disease among the Indian population.
3. Through an analysis of common discourse, analyse and record the thoughts and
feelings of research participants regarding the disease and the manner in which they
cope with diabetes.
Case studies are used to support the author's arguments and an attempt is made to use
the research findings to identify ways for community members to better cope with the
disease. A number of suggestions and recommendations from medical experts with an
interest in diet and lifestyle on prevention and management of diabetes are included in the
study. The author argues that a few relatively simple lifestyle/diet changes may have the
effect of lowering the high incidence of diabetes in the South African Indian population.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.
Keywords
Indians--KwaZulu-Natal--Diabetes., Diabetes., Food habits--Cross-cultural studies., Indians--Durban--Social life and customs., Lifestyles., Medical anthropology--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Anthropology.