Black families’ perceptions of barriers to the practice of a healthy lifestyle: a qualitative study in the UK

Abstract

While studies have focused on tangible indicators of the practice of healthy lifestyles, there remains a dearth of research exploring the inter-relationships between the practice of healthy lifestyles and the prevailing living circumstances of Black and other visible minority ethnic communities in Western societies. This article presents an account of African Caribbean men and women's beliefs and perceptions about the barriers of practising a healthy lifestyle, focusing specifically on the effects of social exclusion, racism and ethnic identity. A total of 18 participants from the north of England participated in the study, with in-depth interviews conducted in their homes. The participants believed that principles of healthy lifestyles were largely not relevant to their lived experiences because they failed to take into account their experiences of racism, social exclusion, ethnic identity, values and beliefs. Indeed, participants argued that, with their emphasis on illness prevention and perceived Eurocentric approaches, the principles of healthy lifestyle were part of the social exclusion paradigm experienced by their community. The study concludes by suggesting that it is essential to place notions of socio-economic disadvantage, discrimination, marginalisation and racism at the centre rather than the periphery when considering strategies to make healthier choices an easier option for Black and other visible minority ethnic communities.

Keywords:

• African Caribbean
• ethnicity
• ethnic identity
• healthy lifestyles
• interviewing
• racism

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the research participants for sharing their views, and extends special thanks to the anonymous reviewers and the editor for their comments and advice.

Notes

Note

1. The term ‘Black’ refers to African Caribbean people and other individuals of African descent, while the expression ‘visible minority ethnic communities’ is used to denote groups that include African, African Caribbean, South Asian and Chinese people living in the UK.