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

Abstract #61871

Ratna Kanumury, PA-C¹, Linda Murray, MD, MPH², Kyungran Shim, MD³, Linda Tinson, APN, CNP⁴, Mildred Williamson, PhD⁵, and Erin Malone, MA¹. (1) AHCN, Woodlawn Health Center/ Cook County Bureau of Health Services, 6337 S. Woodlawn Av, Chicago, IL 60637, 312-747-7705, R_Kanumury@hotmail.com, (2) Co-Medical Director, Ambulatory & Community Health Network, Cook County Bureau of Health Services, Woodlawn Health Center, 6337 S. Woodlawn, Chicago, IL 60637, (3) Cook County Hospital : Cook County Bureau of Health Services, 1900 West Polk, Chicago, IL 60612, (4) ACHN, Cook County/Woodlawn Health Center, 6337 South Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, (5) ACHN Woodlawn Health Center : Cook County Bureau of Health Services, 6337 S. Woodlawn, Chicago, IL 60637

PROBLEM: 2.8 million African Americans are affected with Diabetes Mellitus in the United States. Diabetes Mellitus is the leading cause of retinopathy, nephropathy, amputations, and increases the risk of heart disease and strokes. Retinopathy is 40-50% higher in African Americans due to a higher concomitancy with hypertension. African American diabetics are more likely to develop end stage renal disease and undergo lower extremity amputations in comparison to white American diabetics. ACTION: We will administer a culturally specific, validated survey about the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of African Americans concerning diabetes. The survey will be a sample of convenience at several urban public health centers with an N of at least 600 respondents. Data analysis will be enriched by obtaining additional information on perceptions about diabetes from focus group participants. CONCLUSION: We will identify themes expressed by respondents to inform our providers and staff on treatments, self-management assistance, and complication-prevention strategies. Results from the study will be used to improve our approach to providing care for African American diabetics by making our services more accessible, culturally sensitive and easier to incorporate into patient lifestyles.

Learning Objectives:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• describe demographic and social characteristics of a cohort of urban African American patients;
• describe their perceptions, attitudes and knowledge about diabetes;
• describe differences between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

Keywords: African American, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.