Illness Perceptions of African-Americans with Chronic Kidney Disease

African-Americans have the highest rates of chronic kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes (T2DM-CKD) and of progression to end-stage renal disease. The purpose of this study was to describe African-American's perceptions of T2DM-CKD: specifically, perceptions of cause, risk, severity, self-management of T2DM-CKD before and after diagnosis, and overall effect on their lives. Informed by the Common Sense Model of Illness, a cross-sectional qualitative study using purposive sampling was conducted. Findings were that participants did not take T2DM seriously until they had CKD and they also had misperceptions about the cause of T2DM. Participants believed that a family history of diabetes meant nothing could prevent a T2DM onset. In addition, participants viewed primary care providers as not explicitly informing them of their status/risks regarding CKD. The study results identified factors among African-Americans that contribute to the T2DM-CKD progression. This may enhance primary care providers' ability to educate African-Americans, which may lead to more accurate perceptions.