Perceptions of health and diabetes in a Melbourne South Sudanese community.

This qualitative study explored how members of the Dinka South Sudanese community in West Melbourne perceive diabetes within the context of their broader health circumstances. These perceptions may guide health services aiming to prevent diabetes and chronic disease. 3 focus groups were conducted with 25 participants. Recorded discussions were transcribed and interrogated through a grounded theory approach. Diabetes and chronic diseases were familiar to participants, but issues they claimed not to understand well. The Australian social environment was seen to propagate unhealthy lifestyle changes, while experiences with Australian health services were dissatisfying. Mental distress was perceived as significantly detracting from the community's health. Preventative health interventions in this community, while emphasising education and healthy lifestyle behaviours, should also acknowledge underlying socio-historical contexts and the psychiatric burden of forced migration.