Healthcare and Genetic Counseling in the Hindu American Community: CGA-IGC Genetic Counseling & Religion Podcast Series - Episode 2

In the second episode of the Genetic Counseling and Religion Series, Josie Baker MS, CGC, a genetic counselor at The Ohio State University, speaks with Shilpa Narayan MS, CGC, a genetic counselor at Stanford Health.

Together, they explore how individuals within the Hindu community understand and engage with healthcare and preventive care. While experiences and perspectives vary widely, many individuals hold a generally positive view of healthcare and place a high value on education and knowledge. Seeking medical expertise when care is needed is often seen as important. At the same time, preventive healthcare is frequently viewed as an individual responsibility, with emphasis on diet, lifestyle, and self-care, and formal medical care may be sought primarily when something is perceived to be “wrong.” For those who did not grow up in the United States, navigating the U.S. healthcare system itself can be an added challenge.

Medical decision-making in many Hindu families is shaped by respect for expertise. Physicians may be viewed as authoritative, and individuals may look for clear, directive guidance rather than prioritizing personal autonomy in decision-making. Immediate family members often play an important role in weighing medical choices. Genetic testing can be appealing from a knowledge-seeking perspective, yet there may be hesitancy around pursuing testing, screening, or preventive surgeries in the absence of symptoms. Concerns about how genetic information could affect children, particularly regarding marriage prospects, as well as overall family perceptions may also influence decision-making. Attitudes toward sharing health information may vary by generation and acculturation.

Unlike some religious communities, individuals typically do not seek input from priests or the broader religious community when making medical decisions; Hinduism generally offers guiding concepts rather than strict rules, leaving considerable room for personal interpretation in how those principles are applied to healthcare choices.

For genetics professionals and other healthcare providers, this conversation highlights the importance of a patient-centered, collaborative approach. Emphasizing actionable steps, such as dietary and lifestyle choices, can resonate strongly. Remaining mindful of the wide diversity in Hindu beliefs and practices allows providers to build trust and tailor counseling to the individual in front of them.

The key takeaway: Individuals from Hindu communities often value medical knowledge and expertise while viewing preventive health as a personal responsibility centered on lifestyle and self-care. Genetics professionals can best support these patients by offering clear guidance, emphasizing actionable steps, involving family when appropriate, and approaching each individual with cultural humility and openness to diverse beliefs and practices.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and stay tuned for upcoming discussions in this exciting series!

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If you enjoyed this podcast, you may like others from the CGA-IGC Podcast Series (Seasons 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7, 8) presented by the CGA-IGC Education Committee. Or, explore our Expert Approach to Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancers podcast series (Seasons 1 and 2).

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