Partnering With Families to Refine and Expand a Diabetes Intervention for Mexican Americans

The purpose of this study was to refine and expand a culturally tailored individual-level diabetes self-management intervention to a family-level intervention.

Using community-based participatory research principles, Mexican American adults (n = 12) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and family members (n = 12) in the United States-Mexico border region participated in 6 focus group interviews, conducted by bilingual, bicultural facilitators. Facilitators and barriers to T2DM management were identified. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Through an iterative analysis process, 5 categories represented participants with T2DM: (1) strategies my family can use to support our managing T2DM, (2) be sensitive to my challenges, (3) stop telling me what to eat or do, (4) how can we peacefully coexist, and (5) I feel supported. Categories identified by family members were (1) changing behaviors together, (2) sharing not controlling, (3) supporting positive behaviors, and (4) your behaviors frustrate me.

The family was reinforced as a major influence for successful T2DM management. Family support requires that families value and develop knowledge and skills for T2DM management. This family intervention builds on family assets and relationships, shifting from traditional externally motivated individual models to create a shared commitment to manage T2DM among Mexican American adults.