Making education in diabetes culturally appropriate for patients

Abstract

Aims The purpose of this study was to identify key cultural issues relevant to providing appropriate education for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in a UK African and Caribbean community. An additional aim was to test the usefulness of the collaborative action research approach used to gather this information. Methods An education and research event was organized in partnership with local diabetes educators and community groups in Southwark, London. This included a modelled education session and focus group feedback about cultural relevance based on a semi-structured topic guide. Qualitative methods were used to analyse the data collected. Key findings The action research approach and the topic guide used for the focus groups effectively identified relevant foods and other cultural issues such as traditional large portion sizes and social pressures related to food consumption in the African and Caribbean community. Language was regarded as the main barrier to joint education sessions for people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Patient access to healthcare services and optimisation of self-management for ethnic minority populations living with diabetes: a systematic review

“…2008). Exploratory research also suggests that community‐based education is preferred by patients of African or Caribbean ethnicity (Stone et al. 2006).…”

“…2004). African and Caribbean patients reported that portion control and greater attention to cooking method rather than food types were of particular concern (Stone et al. 2006).…”

“…2006) and poor glycaemic control associated with illiteracy in Pakistani women (Hawthorne & Tomlinson 1999). Additionally, limited English language is a barrier in accessing services for many South Asian groups, but perhaps less so for African and Caribbean where English is regarded as a common language (Stone et al. 2006).…”

A community-based primary prevention programme for type 2 diabetes mellitus integrating identification and lifestyle intervention for prevention: a cluster randomised controlled trial

“…In order to develop the Let's Prevent programme, the methodology previously used in the development of the DESMOND programme was used. 159,160 This methodology encompasses a pragmatic iterative approach, similar to an 'audit cycle', whereby data are collected and analysed to obtain feedback and suggestions from key stakeholders, including patient and public involvement, health-care providers and facilitators (trainers, educators and interpreters). Each cycle involves identifying potential modifications that could be made; piloting these changes and collecting both qualitative and quantitative data, analysing the data and reflecting on; their implications; and making refinements and adjustments.…”

“…Previous qualitative research 159,160 helped to modify the DESMOND module for people newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus from BME groups living in the UK. Although this work did include some work with African and African Caribbean populations, the main focus of the research centred on providing education that met the language, literacy and cultural needs of the South Asian population with T2DM.…”