Perceived Risk of Diabetes Among Vietnamese Americans With Prediabetes: Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Vietnamese Americans face a high risk of early-onset diabetes.
• Limited research exists on diabetes risk perception within this demographic.
• This study addresses a gap in understanding risk perception in an underserved population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe perceived diabetes risk among Vietnamese Americans with prediabetes.
• To explore dimensions of perceived diabetes risk using a mixed-methods approach.
• To inform culturally sensitive diabetes prevention interventions.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study guided by the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation.
• Snowball sampling recruited 10 Vietnamese Americans with prediabetes.
• Semistructured interviews and questionnaires analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Main Results:

• Participants aged 30-75 reported low-to-moderate perceived diabetes risk.
• Key perceived risk factors included eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, and family history.
• Despite low risk perception, participants viewed diabetes severity as a significant concern.

Conclusions:

• Vietnamese Americans with prediabetes exhibit low-to-moderate diabetes risk perception.
• Understanding cultural influences on diet and exercise is crucial for effective diabetes prevention.
• Findings provide a basis for tailored public health interventions.