Factor | Example of approach to providing support |
Cultural factors affecting lifestyle choices and behaviors | Acknowledge the cultural significance of certain food and activities Ensure health messages are culturally appropriate and provide culturally specific resources |
Limited access to healthy foods | Provide examples of affordable healthy food choices available locally |
Limited understanding of high-energy versus low-energy foods | Provide practical nutrition messages (e.g. cut fat off meat before cooking, reduce sugar intake, increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, grill or boil foods rather than fry) |
Limited opportunities for physical activity | Provide advice on increasing incidental activity and moderate-intensity activity (e.g. choosing the stairs, walking to work) |
Attitudes to physical activity | Provide advice on locally available resources to support physical activity (e.g. walking groups, culturally appropriate physical activity classes, women-only venues) |
Limited access to psychological services (e.g. due to costs or distance) | Consider alternative approaches to psychological support (e.g. telephone or online resources) |
Limited access to culturally appropriate health services for follow-up | Involve relevant healthcare professionals to assist in providing culturally appropriate care (e.g. Aboriginal health worker, multicultural health worker, interpreter) |
Limited access to healthcare services for follow-up (e.g. due to distance) | Consider referral to community-based program (peer support groups, commercial providers) |
Lack of support to change | Involve family or close others in decision-making and interventions |