A novel research framework for identifying the social factors and cultural determinants of diabetes in urban areas
Abstract
Purpose The increase in type 2 diabetes in urban areas provides complex challenges that call for a new research approach. We present a novel research framework (the Diabetes Vulnerability Assessment) for assessing factors... [ view full abstract ]
Purpose
The increase in type 2 diabetes in urban areas provides complex challenges that call for a new research approach. We present a novel research framework (the Diabetes Vulnerability Assessment) for assessing factors that make individuals vulnerable to developing diabetes and to suffering from complications. Vulnerability here is characterised not just by the presence of biological risk factors, but along a spectrum of biological and social factors, and cultural determinants.
Research was conducted as part of the Cities Changing Diabetes Programme, initiated in 2014 by Novo Nordisk A/S, in partnership with University College London (UCL), and Steno Diabetes Center. Its aim is to understand the complexity of urban diabetes and to provide concrete guidance for policy change, urban planning, and public health intervention through collaborative research.
Methods:
Five cities (Mexico City, Copenhagen, Houston, Tianjin and Shanghai) participated in the study. Local academic partners together with UCL conducted the research. The Diabetes Vulnerability Assessment was implemented to assess local givens in the formal, the community, and the vulnerability domains as they relate to participants’ social and cultural circumstances, their health, health care, and diabetes. Specifically trained fieldworkers carried out in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews. More than 550 Interviews were summarised by fieldworkers, transcribed, archived and are being analysed locally as well as globally in collaboration between the teams.
Conclusion:
While the biomedical factors involved in type 2 diabetes are well known, too little is known about significant social factors and cultural determinants. The two latter, however, play a central role in prevention as well as management of the condition. This novel research addresses the paucity of knowledge regarding social factors and cultural determinants while providing concrete insights into local needs and capabilities. These factors, like financial, time, resource and geographical constraints are shared across cities, but manifest themselves in unique ways locally.
Authors
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David Napier
(University College London, Department of Anthropology)
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John Nolan
(Steno Diabetes Center)
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Anna-Maria Volkmann
(University College London, Department of Anthropology)
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Louise Hesseldal
(Novo Nordisk A/S)
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Niels Lund
(Novo Nordisk A/S)
Topic Areas
I. Urbanization AND Health: what interactions? 1.1 New paradigms, concepts, methods, and t , II. Urban Health at the intersection of urban environment, social determinants and places
Session
PBAIC-O-01 » Place Based Actions to Prevent Disease and Promote Health In Cities (10:30 - Sunday, 3rd April, TBA)
Paper
Abstract_ISUH_Conference_2016_VAFinal.docx
Presentation Files
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