Exploring the Religious Practice of Langar as a Route to Health Promotion in the Sikh Community in Northern England: A Qualitative Study

Daffu-O’Reilly, Amrit; Bharj, Kuldip; Horne, Maria; O’Connor, Daryl; Conner, Mark; Astin, Felicity

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are prevalent among UK South Asians. Langar is a Sikh religious food practice that could be important in dietary health promotion. This study explored perceptions of langar, its role in health, readiness and strategies for change and whether Gurdwaras (Sikh place of worship) are able to support change. Using an exploratory qualitative design, we conducted eight focus groups and one single interview with 28 Gurdwara attendees (12 males, 16 females), analysing transcripts using thematic analysis. Four themes were developed that described the meaning of langar, the understanding of health among Sikhs, the evolution of langar and implications for health and changing langar to protect health. It can be concluded that any change to langar needs to be gradual, respectful and widely supported. This research has scope to continue in light of the potential impact on health for the Sikh community.

Citation

Daffu-O’Reilly, A., Bharj, K., Horne, M., O’Connor, D., Conner, M., & Astin, F. (in press). Exploring the Religious Practice of Langar as a Route to Health Promotion in the Sikh Community in Northern England: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Religion and Health, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02077-6

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 15, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 7, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 11, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Religion and Health
• Print ISSN: 0022-4197
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02077-6
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1014320
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10943-024-02077-6
• Additional Information: Accepted: 15 June 2024; First Online: 7 July 2024; : ; : The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.; : This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the University of Leeds (September 2020, Grant Number TR2432).; : Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.; : Not required as no personal data to be published.