Navigating Type 2 Diabetes Care: Asian American Perspectives on Self-Management Education and Support

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects Asian American populations.
• Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs are vital for managing type 2 diabetes.
• Engagement in DSMES programs varies significantly among diverse ethnic groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the determinants of engagement in DSMES programs among Asian Americans with type 2 diabetes in California.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing participation in diabetes education initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study utilizing semistructured interviews.
• Participants included Filipino, Korean South Asian, Cambodian, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese Americans.
• Thematic analysis based on the ecological model was employed.

Main Results:

• Four major themes emerged: individual-level factors, cultural/social influences, structural barriers, and optimizing DSMES for inclusivity.
• Ten subthemes detailed specific barriers (e.g., language, access) and facilitators (e.g., family support).
• The ecological model provided a framework for understanding multilevel influences on engagement.

Conclusions:

• Culturally responsive DSMES programs are essential for improving engagement among Asian Americans.
• Family-centered approaches and integration of cultural beliefs are recommended.
• Multilevel interventions addressing systemic and individual barriers are necessary for effective diabetes management.