Background An estimated 3000 Iraqi’s, with an increased prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes, live around Shepparton ^{1, 2}. Liaison between the Iraqi community and the Goulburn Valley Diabetes Centre highlighted attendance rates, identifying many Iraqi women.
Aim To engage Iraqi women diagnosed with, or at risk of developing, diabetes to participate in healthy lifestyle workshops.
Methods the six month program, facilitated by the Iraqi (female) community leader, recruited via snowball sampling. Included were 45 minute interactive discussions with the diabetes team and 20 minute, Heart Foundation registered, weekly walks - undertaken in a safe secluded area. Initial demographic information, medical history and pre and post intervention BMI, BP and heart rates were collected.
Results Many had a family history of diabetes, average years in Australia was 10yrs (range 3-18). Program evaluation, a difficult concept to this group, wasn’t pursued. Twenty four women commenced and 11 completed the program conducted immediately prior to the Hajj pilgrimage. Many women returned to Iraq at this time resulting in the high dropout rate.

Highlights of the data include some weight loss (n=5), worsening group BMI and improved BP and HR. While activity levels were not compared, feedback indicated that this group is becoming more confident and motivated to exercise. Informal verbal feedback suggests that barriers to healthy lifestyles include motivation, time and cost. Specific cultural barriers were exercise during prayer times, mixed gender environment and husbands’ not being traditional carers of children.
Conclusion Iraqi women need and want to engage in healthy lifestyles; however traditional methods of health promotion aren’t successful. Building strong relationships with community leaders and planning for sustainable, culturally sensitive, physical activity groups encourage healthy lifestyles in the Iraqi female population.