Religious and cultural distance in beliefs about health and illness in women with diabetes mellitus of different origin living in Sweden

Abstract

The study explored beliefs about health and illness in females with diabetes mellitus (DM) from different religious backgrounds living in Sweden. Swedes showed an active self-care behaviour and a healthy and controlled life-style. Ex-Yugoslavian Muslims emphasised enjoyment of life and a passive self-care attitude, lesser inclination to self-monitoring of blood glucose and preventive foot care. Arabs emphasised adaptation to DM and a lot of 'musts' concerning diet, and had a lower threshold for seeking care. They also emphasised being a believing Muslim, and although explaining the cause of DM as 'the will of Allah or God', in contrast to ex-Yugoslavians, they actively searched for information about management of DM. Cultural and religious distance are essential for understanding self-care practice and care-seeking behaviour, and need to be considered in the planning of diabetes care.