Keywords

cultural health beliefs, Haitian immigrants, protocol, self-management, Type 2 diabetes

 

Authors

  1. Magny-Normilus, Cherlie
  2. Whittemore, Robin
  3. Nunez-Smith, Marcella
  4. Lee, Christopher S.
  5. Schnipper, Jeffrey
  6. Wexler, Deborah
  7. Sanders, Julie A.
  8. Grey, Margaret

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition affecting more than 34.2 million U.S. adults, and people of African descent have a disproportionate burden. Haitian immigrants' unique cultural and biological factors put them at elevated risk for T2D-related complications. Despite prior research highlighting the success of multimethod approaches to T2D self-management behaviors on glycemic targets, a dearth of studies have used these methods to improve diabetes self-management in this marginalized population.

 

Objectives: This article describes a repeated-measures design protocol of a going study about self-management behaviors among adult Haitian immigrants with T2D and characterizing their barriers to T2D self-management.

 

Methods: We will enroll 100 Haitian immigrants aged 18-64 years who have lived with T2D for at least 1 year. Using multiple recruitment methods and Research Electronic Data Capture, subjective and objective data on T2D self-management practices, glucose variability via continuous glucose monitor, and a comprehensive view of physical activity via actigraphy are collected.

 

Results: Data analysis will follow a two-part approach mirroring the two primary study objectives.

 

Discussion: Findings from the study will guide the development and testing of a culturally tailored diabetes self-management education program that will contribute essential information about best practices for this population and break barriers that may impede research on unique individuals and subsequent effective self-management.