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Samoan migrants' perspectives on diabetes: A qualitative study
Yasin Shahab1, Olataga Alofivae-Doorbinnia1, Jennifer Reath2
1School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
Summary
Cultural factors present barriers and opportunities for diabetes management in the Samoan community in Australia. Addressing dietary practices and leveraging cultural pride can improve health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Medical Anthropology
Background:
- The Samoan community in Australia experiences disproportionately high rates of diabetes.
- Understanding cultural influences is crucial for effective diabetes care in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences and perceptions of Samoan patients with diabetes and their families in Australia.
- To identify cultural barriers and facilitators for diabetes self-management and detection.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 20 Samoan adults living with diabetes and their family members in Sydney, Australia.
- Participants were recruited from a general practice serving a high proportion of Pacific Islander patients.
- Inductive thematic analysis using a constructivist-grounded theory approach was utilized.
Main Results:
- Key barriers to diabetes detection and self-management included cultural dietary practices and the influence of church and religion.
- Cultural pride and family roles were identified as potential barriers to care but also as opportunities for health promotion.
- Participants were migrants to Australia, aged 36-67 years, with a majority being men.
Conclusions:
- Cultural factors significantly influence diabetes risk and management within the Samoan-Australian community.
- These cultural elements can act as barriers but also present opportunities for tailored diabetes education and health promotion.
- Findings will inform culturally targeted prevention and management strategies, including addressing dietary practices, stigma, pride, and engaging with churches.
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