Perceptions of Barriers in Managing Diabetes: Perspectives of Hispanic Immigrant Patients and Family Members

Background: Hispanics show poorer self-management of type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites. Although previous studies of diabetes self-management in Hispanics have reported socioeconomic and cultural barriers to diabetes self-management, less is known about perceived barriers to diabetes self-management from the perspectives of both Hispanics and their family members. Thus, this study examined perceived barriers among Hispanic immigrants with diabetes and explored ways that their family members could provide support in managing diabetes.

Methods: A qualitative design using focus group interviews was conducted. A total of 36 Hispanic immigrants with type 2 diabetes and 36 family members were recruited in the southeastern United States for a family-based intervention study on diabetes-self management. Participants were asked to describe their perceptions of barriers to diabetes self-management. The 5 sessions were audiotaped and transcribed, translated from Spanish into English, and analyzed using standard content analysis. Demographics, hemoglobin A1C levels, blood pressure and BMI were obtained for both participants with diabetes and their family members.

Results: The perceived barriers to diabetes self-management identified from focus group discussions for participants with diabetes were categorized into three major themes: suffering from diabetes, difficulties in managing the disease, and lack of resources/support. Two key themes emerged pertaining specifically to family members: we can provide support and we lack knowledge.

Conclusions: Perceived barriers to diabetes self-management described by Hispanic immigrants with diabetes and family members indicate a lack of intervention strategies to meet their needs. Interventions should include culturally relevant resources, family support, and diabetes self-management skills education.