Experiences With Stress Among African American Men Living With Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Inquiry

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Self-management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is crucial but challenging for African American men.
• Stress can negatively impact mental and physical health, potentially worsening T2D self-management.
• Limited research exists on the specific role of stress in T2D management among this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between stress and type 2 diabetes management in African American men.
• To explore the lived experiences of stress related to T2D in this population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 19 African American men with T2D.
• Data collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in community settings (barbershops, churches).
• Qualitative analysis using a phenomenological approach to identify themes related to stress and T2D.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: experiencing less stress, stress not from diabetes, avoiding stress, and prevalent stress.
• Many participants reported that T2D did not contribute to their stress, or they experienced less stress post-diagnosis.
• Stress became a concern for some when contemplating diabetes complications.

Conclusions:

• Findings indicate a complex relationship between stress and T2D self-management in African American men.
• Interventions should consider gender-specific and culturally relevant approaches to diabetes and stress management.
• Further research is needed to understand and address stress in this population.