Cultural and Religious Values in Health

Adopting a small, culturally familiar health habit created a sense of accomplishment that participants described as motivating further behaviour change. For some participants, health behaviours were embedded in religious identity, with caring for the body framed as an act of gratitude and spiritual responsibility. Participants who already abstained from alcohol and tobacco were confused and felt unfairly treated when told they still faced elevated CVD risk, which risked undermining their motivation. Foods shared at cultural gatherings and celebrations were often high in fat and sugar, making dietary change feel incompatible with cultural norms. Participants were receptive to culturally relevant dietary adaptations that made healthier eating feel realistic without requiring abandonment of food traditions.