Grandmothers' perspectives on the changing context of health in India

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Solveig Argeseanu, Emory University; Susannah D. Gloor, Emory University; Shailaja S. Patil, B.M.Patil Medical College
• Language: English
• Date: 2017-07-07
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2017 The Author(s).
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13104-017-2583-z
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: BMC Research Notes
• ISSN: 1756-0500
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 263
• End Page: 263
• Grant/Funding Information: This project was supported by Award Number 3D43HD065249-03S1 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development and by a grant from Emory University’s Global Health Institute.
• Keywords: Data collection; Chronic disease; Gender roles; India; Globalization; Grandmothers
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity and other chronic diseases is increasing in India and around the world. As globalization and social changes are believed to be at the root of these epidemiological changes, these factors must be better understood. This study engaged older adults to gain an important perspective on globalization and health. Methods: A free-list instrument and a structured survey were developed and used to gather data on changes in diet, activity, and women's roles from ten grandmothers in rural India. Results: Grandmothers indicated that household chores and food preparation are less labor-intensive and time-consuming due to mechanization and the availability of prepared foods than a generation earlier. Families are more often eating food out, bringing prepared food home, and using ready-made food mixes; adolescents are continuing to eat meals at home, but now snack with friends outside the home more frequently. Conclusions: Using both a free-list instrument and a structured survey, grandmothers were able to provide insights about the changing context of dietary patterns and family roles arising with globalization that may be contributing to the rise in chronic disease.