R. Bedi, E. Davidson, J. J. Liu. UK: Global Child Dental Fund price £30.00; pp 140 ISBN

9780957159808

Indian health professionals around the world: a common agenda is a short text which aims to address the common health issues facing patients of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi background. It discusses the challenges and health concerns this patient group experiences globally, in the UK and within India. Additionally, this text emphasises the role which UK based Indian health professionals can provide to manageservices for ethnic patients on a national and international level.

This paper-back edition includes ten brief chapters with graphical illustrations printed in greyscale. The primary reading audience of this text is aimed at 'Indian health professionals', however, practitioners of all backgrounds and disciplines could benefit from this first edition. Numerous studies have been included to support the large evidence base presented in the text that includes data from South Asian countries, within the UK and globally. Each chapter follows a similar style beginning with a brief introduction and a final summary detailing how Indian health professionals within the UK can lead services for South Asian patient groups. The chapters detail the effects of tobacco and smokeless tobacco, prevalence of coronary heart disease, cancers, type II diabetes and mental health disease on the aforementioned patient groups.

The authors have provided their reading audience with an interesting insight into the cultural influences that exist within South Asian populations and their impact on health and care provided. For example, the feeling of isolation in the western world and preservation of cultural ideals that are used as coping mechanisms. These include consumption of eastern diets being high in saturated fats, a belief that a higher BMI represents better health and reluctance to visit medical practitioners where diagnosis of an illness may lower social status in a community. The authors also highlight that with the recent ban of smoking in public places, a shift towards smokeless tobacco particularly amongst South Asians may become apparent. This would prompt the need for practitioner awareness and appropriate patient education focusing on health implications such as oral tumours, diabetes and coronary heart disease, which are already prevalent in this patient group.

In summary, this text highlights some important issues facing Indian, Pakistani and Bangldeshi communities, including how practitioners can recognise cultural traits and become engaged with management of these patient groups.