Focus Group Findings: Health Education on Diabetes and Latinos

Background: Previous managed care research has documented an elevated risk of ESRD in ethnic minorities. Results from the TRIAD (Translating Research into Action for Diabetes) indicate Hispanics are less likely to use blood glucose monitors and have worse rates of glycemic control even when other guidelines are observed at rates comparable to Whites.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct qualitative research in a focused group setting to illicit: 1) barriers to self-care; 2) variables potentially aiding adherence; and 3) preferred venues and topics for health education.

METHODS: Two focus groups were held in Los Angeles – one for women and one for men. All subjects were adults between the ages of 20 and 62. Each group had 15 participants that had been diagnosed with diabetes between less than 1 year and as many as 16 years prior.

RESULTS:

Barriers to Self Care

Among both groups, participants complained of having to use the glucose monitor and asked for a noninvasive method to check their glucose. Besides the immediate pain, some worked with chemicals and reported that sites burned during work.

One woman felt she could use keto sticks in lieu of the glucose monitor. Some participants did check their blood glucose but not one did so on a daily and regular basis.

A few noted that they preferred not to know their glucose rates as knowing would make them nervous and the stress would elevate their blood sugar even more.

Variables Potentially Affecting Adherence

Most women (80%) reported their husbands and families were not supportive of their dietary needs and cited situations where they were expected to cook traditional foods. It should be noted that female participants were either housewives or had low paying jobs, which would have made additional food prep