The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40528

Tran Thu Nguyen, BS¹, Chin Du, MPH, MEd², Mariana Chilton, PhD, MPH³, and Sarah Furnas, RN². (1) School of Public Health, MCP Hahnemann University, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (2) Asian Health Projects, Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc., 260 S. Broad Street 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 215-731-6194, Jumma2@hotmail.com, (3) School of Public Health, Community Health and Prevention, MCP Hahnemann University, 245 N.15th Street/Mailstop 660, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Though national data report that diabetes-related morbidity and mortality among Asian-Pacific Islanders are higher than for non-Hispanic whites, diabetes education and prevention efforts in the Philadelphia area remain largely underdeveloped in Asian American groups. The presentation will discuss the diabetic health beliefs and practices of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants in Philadelphia using focus groups and personal interviews. The researcher will also discuss the health concerns and barriers of access to care and resources that may adversely affect immigrants' use of healthcare services in their communities. In addition, healthcare providers' perceptions and attitudes about the impact and management of diabetes regarding their Chinese and Vietnamese patients will be characterized. Focus groups and personal interviews were designed to gain in-depth, valuable knowledge of diabetes as it affects 30 Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants themselves. The invaluable voices gathered from focus groups and personal interviews will be used to assist the Health Promotion Council in developing a diabetes educational program that is culturally appropriate for Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants in Philadelphia.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner)will be able to

• Identify the health beliefs and practices of diabetes regarding Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants in Philadelphia.
• Articulate the health concerns and barriers of access to care and resources of Philadelphia Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants.
• Describe healthcare providers' perceptions and attitudes regarding the impact and management of diabetes in Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants.
• Evaluate the use of focus groups and personal interviews in assessing the health beliefs and practices of diabetes in Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Health Promotion Council
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee (Director of Asian Health Projects)