The South Asian/Indian Diet: Client Scenarios presented by Fathima Abdoola, APD
Following on from her presentation on The South Asian/Indian Diet, Fathima describes two clinical scenarios; Mrs Patel, a Gujarati woman with type 2 diabetes, and Mr Khan, a Pakistani man with dyslipidaemia.
Fathima uses these scenarios to illustrate how nuanced, respectful questioning uncovers essential information about meal patterns, fasting practices, gender roles, household cooking responsibilities, and deeply rooted food traditions. She highlights the importance of exploring carbohydrate quality, ghee and oil use, sugar added to chai, and the central role of communal meals.
Learn about:
- Cultural understanding, not prescription — meaningful change begins with rapport, active listening, and exploring cultural, religious, and household structures.
- Modifying traditional foods rather than replacing them — portion adjustments, recipe tweaks, and alternative cooking methods are more acceptable than introducing unfamiliar foods.
- Behaviour change relies on identifying motivators and involving key family members — particularly critical in multi-generational households and where clients are not the primary food preparers.