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

Abstract #70043

Nancy Mullenax, PhD, Aguirre International, 555 Airport Blvd, Suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010, 650-346-6557, nmullenax@aiweb.com

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a critical health concern for Latino communities throughout California, with rates rising dramatically in the past decade. This case study presents ethnographic research conducted among two very different Latino communities in California – the urban community of East Los Angeles, and the rural migrant farmworker community of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. The aim of this research was to explore how the socio-cultural contexts of these two Latino communities impact the diabetes experience, including prevention, self-management and treatment. METHODS: Open-ended interviews were the primary source of qualitative data, collected in individual and group settings among diabetes patients, their family members, key community leaders and agency personnel, key community providers, and other key community informants identified through snowball sampling. These interviews focused on the relationship of diabetes with community history, acculturation, perceived neighborhood violence, community cohesion and social support, racism and discrimination, and the role of community advocates or health workers. FINDINGS: Because the family has a major influence on individuals’ dietary habits, exercise patterns, stress and self-care, individual behavior was best examined within the familial and community environment. This case study will present research findings and discuss: 1) how diabetes, diabetes prevention, and diabetes care is perceived within these communities; 2) to what extent Latinos with diabetes in these communities are utilizing medical care and traditional self-care to manage their disease; and 3) how variations in community contexts and acculturation in these very different communities impact the prevention, management and treatment of diabetes.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how diabetes, diabetes prevention, and diabetes care is perceived within two very different California Latino communities.
• Explain to what extent Latinos with diabetes in these communities are utilizing medical care and traditional self-care to manage their disease.
• Identify the impact of social, cultural and economic conditions on the experience of diabetes in Latino communities.

Keywords: Diabetes, Ethnic Identity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The White Memorial Medical Center Charitable Foundation; The Redwood Community Health Coalition
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am an evaluator of The California Endowment's Diabetes Initiative