Diabetes Knowledge, Management, and Prevention in Haitians: A Mixed Methods Examination
Open Access
- Author:
- Moise, Rhoda Keese
- Area of Honors:
- Biobehavioral Health
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Dr. Rhonda Be Lue, Thesis Supervisor
David John Vandenbergh, Thesis Honors Advisor
Dr. Lori Anne Francis, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- Health Disparities
Chronic Disease
Diabetes - Abstract:
- Chronic disease is becoming an increasing public health problem in the United States, disproportionately affecting minorities at higher rates. Blacks have increased risk; however, there is limited research exploring the similarities and differences in outcomes within large racial classifications such as ‘Black’. It is imperative to disaggregate large racial-ethnic groups in order to optimize health outcomes in populations associated with the African Diaspora (Huffman et al., 2011). Through focus groups, this research aims to generate culturally framed insight into diabetes knowledge, management, and prevention among Haitian immigrants. These messages will be grounded in the cultural context of local family structures. This study recruited 20 Haitian participants who were at-risk/diagnosed with diabetes through a Philadelphia church-based population; the mean age was 64 (SD=14.1). A cross-sectional survey and two focus group interviews were employed; surveys were analyzed using SPSS and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Of the 20 participants, 16 were diagnosed with diabetes, 11 were diagnosed with hypertension, and 10 were diagnosed with both diabetes and hypertension. Guided by the PEN-3 Cultural Model, content analysis revealed these emergent themes: sense of imminent diagnosis (perceptions), culturally competent health educators (enablers), and familial support (nurturers). Findings suggest the utilization of Community Health Workers; health education should be targeted within familial and religious constructs. Future research should explore cultural sensitivity and competence in health information provided by doctors/nurses for effective diabetes management and prevention.