Sociocultural factors and perceptions associated with type 2 diabetes among sub-Saharan African migrants in Melbourne, Victoria

Aim: To explore how non-diabetic sub-Saharan African migrants residing in Melbourne, construct and interpret type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its risk factors and to provide an evidence-based theoretical framework to informcommunity-based prevention programs.Methods: Seven focus group discussions (two with women only, two with men only and three of mixed gender)were carried out among Ghanaian, Zimbabwean, Sudanese and Burundian migrants living in Melbourne (n = 61; agerange: 18 to 61 years).Results: Three distinct themes emerged: not paying much attention to the threat of T2DM and othering; T2DMbeing outside the individuals’ control; and entrapment within rich industrialised culture and lifestyle. Participantsperceived T2DM to be a disease of the wealthy caused by intake of too much sugar and sedentary behaviour, whichwere particularly compounded by lifestyle-related changes upon migration to an industrialised country. However,they also perceived T2DM to be associated with bad luck.Conclusions: Culturally competent prevention and education programs are needed to increase health literacy anddispel religious and cultural myths about T2DM among sub-Saharan African migrants.