339214
Diabetes knowledge, management, and prevention in Haitians: A mixed methods examination
Rhoda Moise, B.S.,
Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Rhonda Belue, PhD,
Health Policy and Administration, Penn State University, University Park, PA
Lori Francis, PhD,
Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Assess trends in diabetes knowledge
Discuss current management styles and future management suggestions
Formulate prevention strategies
Keyword(s): Diabetes, Community-Based Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As an honors student and McNair scholar, I a completed a B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and minors in Biology and Health Policy and Administration in May 2015. I have training in health/health behavior through an interdisciplinary approach. My minor in Biology has increased my understanding of physiological functioning, while my minor in Health Policy and Administration has given me insight into current healthcare policies and potential areas of improvement.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
