02267nas a2200277   4500000000100000008004100001653001300042653001100055653000700066653001400073653002700087653001400114653001900128653001600147100001200163700001700175700001100192700001100203700001200214245017400226856008700400300000700487490000700494520147400501022001401975       2016                            d10aDiabetes10aStigma10aUK10aAdherence10aCardiovascular disease10aEthnicity10aMeta-synthesis10aSouth Asian1 aKumar K1 aGreenfield S1 aRaza K1 aGill P1 aStack R00aUnderstanding adherence-related beliefs about medicine amongst patients of South Asian origin with diabetes and cardiovascular disease patients: a qualitative synthesis.  uhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880880/pdf/12902_2016_Article_103.pdf  a240 v163 a<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular (CVD) disease amongst UK South Asians is higher than in the general population. Non-adherence to medicines may lead to poor clinical outcomes for South Asian patients with diabetes and CVD. To understand the decision making processes associated with taking medicines, a qualitative systematic meta-synthesis exploring medicine taking behaviours, and beliefs was undertaken.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>Four databases (Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index and CINAHL) were searched to identify qualitative studies of South Asian patients taking diabetic medicines. Data were thematic coded and synthesised.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>The following themes were identified: [1] beliefs about the need for and efficacy of medicines; [2] toxicity of medicines and polypharmacy; [3] the necessity of traditional remedies versus "western medicines"; [4] stigma and social support; and [5] communication.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>South Asians described cultural social stigma associated with diabetes and reported fears about drug toxicity as barriers to taking medicines. Cultural beliefs about traditional remedies and interactions with healthcare professionals also appeared to play a role in the way people made decisions about medicines. Advice should be tailored provided to South Asian patients highlighting the long term consequences of diabetes and CVD.</p>
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