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

Abstract #69981

Thi Kim Pham, MPH, Samuels & Associates, 1204 Preservation Park Way, Oakland, CA 94612, 510-271-6799, tpham@bacr.org

PURPOSE: Among Asian and Pacific Islander American populations in California, a rising rate of diabetes is one of several chronic conditions that illustrate overall disparities in health, socio-economic attainment, and racial/ethnic status. Ethnographic research was conducted to explore the ethnic-specific factors that support and inhibit diabetes prevention, management and treatment in the Vietnamese community of San Diego County. This research focused on the impact of immigration patterns within the populations on the prevention, management and treatment of diabetes. The following questions were explored from the patient and provider perspective: 1) How do individual, family, socio-cultural and behavioral factors affect diabetes prevention, management, and treatment in this community?; 2) What are the unique ethnic and cultural experiences of the Vietnamese community that impact health beliefs and traditional self-care?; and 3)What cultural and environmental factors inhibit or enhance individual or community-level diabetes prevention or treatment? METHODS: Environmental scan data review, Focus groups, key informant interviews, site visits, and observations were conducted at community sites among recipients of project services, their families and caregivers, community members, Vietnamese individuals diagnosed with diabetes, political and spiritual leaders, and service delivery/project personnel. FINDINGS: This presentation will present a case study from the Vietnamese community in San Diego, and will discuss from the findings: how immigration and cultural experiences impact the prevention and development of diabetes; how patients experience and self-manage diabetes; and how the community context and socio-cultural resources can support effective diabetes prevention and management strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• 3. Discuss what diabetes management practices and barriers are of concern to Vietnamese individuals with diabetes.
  6. Identify what Vietnamese community history, cultural experiences, and traditional practices impact the effectiveness of persons with diabetes to practice healthy behaviors that support diabetes prevention and management.
  9. Describe how the community context and socio-cultural resources of this Vietnamese community can enhance the effective diabetes prevention, management and treatment efforts.

Keywords: Diabetes, Ethnic Identity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Whittier Institute for Diabetes
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am an evaluator of The California Endowment's Diabetes Initiative