The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62475

Silvia Tejeda, MPH, Ruby Godina, Gloria Coronado, PhD, and Beti Thompson, PhD. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, 206/667-7421, tejedas@u.washington.edu

BACKGROUND: Hispanics are at greater risk than the general population of developing non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The prevalence of NIDDM among Mexican-Americans is 10.2% compared to 7.8% among non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics are more likely than their non-Hispanic white to receive a diagnosis of NIDDM in a later stage and to experience health complications of the disease. OBJECTIVES: We examined knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about NIDDM and treatment modalities. METHODS: Seven focus groups were conducted among Hispanic men and women who either have NIDDM, are at risk for developing it (high blood sugar, obesity, family history of the disease), or know someone who has NIDDM. Participants were asked open-ended questions related to defining diabetes, risk factors, and how they manage the disease. The two-hour sessions were recorded, transcribed, translated and reviewed for common themes. RESULTS: A common theme was that NIDDM could be caused by “susto” (fright) or “coraje” (anger). Hispanics commonly reported reluctance to receive treatment for NIDDM or to follow a doctor’s dietary and exercise recommendations. Hispanic participants commonly cited traditional cures for NIDDM including a “nopal” (cactus) and “zábila” (aloe-vera). CONCLUSION: To reach the goal of Healthy People 2010 of reducing the disparity of diabetes in the Hispanic population it will be important to consider ethnic beliefs and attitudes in this population to better help diabetics with self-management of their illness. Misconceptions about the causes of NIDDM and the effectiveness of treatment modalities should inform new health interventions to reduce the burden of NIDDM in this population.

Learning Objectives:

• • Participants in this session will learn about major beliefs and attitudes related to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) among Hispanics living in a rural setting.
  • Participants will be able to apply common Hispanic health beliefs and attitudes to develop interventions.
  • At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
  • 3. Define 6 common beliefs and attitudes related to NIDDM among Hispanic men and women living in rural areas of Washington.
    6. Describe how Hispanic health concepts of “susto” (fright), “coraje” (anger), and traditional cures for NIDDM including a “nopal” (cactus) and “zábila” (aloe-vera) relate to disease.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.