Rural Hispanic Populations at Risk in Developing Diabetes: Sociocultural and Familial Challenges in Promoting a Healthy Diet

Abstract

Type II diabetes affects Hispanic populations disproportionately and is the fifth leading cause of death for Hispanic people in the United States ( Smith & Barnett, 2005 ). Risk of diabetes is of great concern throughout the United States and is clearly of epidemic proportions for regions such as the Southwest and Texas where the primary minority populations are Mexican American. We conducted four focus groups with a total of 49 Hispanic participants (23 adults and 26 adolescents) from rural West Texas communities to gain insights about participants' eating habits, knowledge of diabetes, and potential barriers to preventive care. From the data, we identified a three-tiered predisposition or vulnerability to diabetes-heredity; preferences for unhealthy, culturally based food; and temptations from U.S. mainstream fast food culture. These vulnerabilities added to the sociocultural concerns that participants identified-importance of parental and familial modeling; challenges to healthy eating based on a culturally based diet and mainstream fast food culture; and a lack of support from the larger sociocultural networks such as teachers, community leaders, and the media. From these data, we have a better understanding of familial and sociocultural factors that need to be addressed in the development of preventive public awareness and educational plans. We outline implications for practitioners and educators from an integrated cultural biomedical approach.

Health Beliefs of Marshallese Regarding Type 2 Diabetes

“…A sense of inevitability about developing diabetes is prevalent among other marginalized populations, including American Indians, 48–50 African Americans, 51,52 and Hispanics. 53,54 The perception that diabetes is inevitable is influenced in part by family history and the belief that diabetes is hereditary, 49–51 as well as fatalistic beliefs that diabetes is beyond one's control and may be the will of God, nature, or the universe. 48,53 It is imperative to navigate ways to increase self-efficacy while respecting culturally-based fatalistic beliefs regarding developing diabetes.…”

“…53,54 The perception that diabetes is inevitable is influenced in part by family history and the belief that diabetes is hereditary, 49–51 as well as fatalistic beliefs that diabetes is beyond one's control and may be the will of God, nature, or the universe. 48,53 It is imperative to navigate ways to increase self-efficacy while respecting culturally-based fatalistic beliefs regarding developing diabetes. 53 Heuman et al suggests combining dispelling beliefs about genetics as a primary cause of diabetes with a focus on what can be done to prevent diabetes.…”

“…48,53 It is imperative to navigate ways to increase self-efficacy while respecting culturally-based fatalistic beliefs regarding developing diabetes. 53 Heuman et al suggests combining dispelling beliefs about genetics as a primary cause of diabetes with a focus on what can be done to prevent diabetes. 53 …”

“…53 Heuman et al suggests combining dispelling beliefs about genetics as a primary cause of diabetes with a focus on what can be done to prevent diabetes. 53 …”

A Family-Based Diabetes Intervention for Hispanic Adults and Their Family Members

“…Despite barriers to diabetes self-management 42 , including low income 43 and low literacy 5, 44 , lack of health insurance 3 , limited social support 45 , and poor access to health care 43 in this population, the intervention enhanced participants’ knowledge and skills in diabetes management and led to improvements in family members as well. The study findings suggest that a culturally tailored educational program benefits Hispanics adults with diabetes and their family members.…”