Behavioural or Cultural Risk Factors The prevalence of coronary heart disease can be reduced by physical activity and with exercise there are also other health benefits associated. However, in the United Kingdom South Asians are less likely to engage in physical activity (Jepson et al., 2012). Jepson et al., (2012) noted that some South Asians do not engage in physical activity because of the religious concerns that are attached. For example, a Pakistani woman in the study said, “I don't like doing that [Bhangra dancing] to music because it is not allowed in Islam, Indian music and songs. I don't want me or my family to participate in that, you know”. Additionally, South Asians are not just culturally different but also lack the knowledge of why incorporating physical activity into their daily routine is beneficial to their health (Grace et al., 2007 cited in Jepson et al., 2012). …show more content…
In the study, over one third of South Asian participants did not know the risk factors. However, even when the risk factors where known the preventative measures were ineffective, which meant that health knowledge was lacking (Rankin and Bhopal, 2001). Additionally, the older generation of South Asians had a belief that fate is the reason for their coronary heart disease. Preventative measures would be ineffective and trying to understand the causes would be impossible because of the confusion that exists (Darr et al.,