scholarly journals An Exploration of the Barriers to Diabetes Management Among West African Immigrants in the United States

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluseyi Abioye-Akanji
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Rhode Island ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
African Immigrants ◽  
The United States ◽  
West African ◽  
Primary Care Doctor ◽  
West African Immigrants

Purpose: To explore the barriers to diabetes management among West African immigrants living in Rhode Island. Study Design and Methods: Semi-structured interviews with adults (N=5); men (n=2), women (n=3), Nigerian (n=3), Liberian (n=1), and Ghanaian (n=1) ages ≥18 with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, living in Rhode Island. Demographic information of the participants was obtained using a questionnaire. Interviews were conducted by the researcher and lasted approximately 50 minutes, and were scheduled to accommodate participants’ needs. Interviews were audio-taped and statements of the study participants were recorded. Subjects were redirected to clarify responses when necessary. Content analysis and coding, as proposed by Miles and Huberman (1994), were completed. Eight pertinent themes were identified. Results: All participants had Type 2 diabetes and reported various barriers to diabetes management: (1) financial difficulties, (2) poor dietary habits, (3) non adherence to daily maintenance, (4) cultural attachment to traditional management of diabetes, (5) cultural beliefs, (6) negative relationship with primary care doctor, (7) non-adherence to medication regimen, and (8) their practitioner’s inadequate knowledge of cultural care. Clinical Implications: These findings revealed that barriers exist for suitable diabetes management by some West African immigrants living in RI. Reducing the risk for complications, morbidity, and mortality can only occur with reduction of identified barriers.

scholarly journals The Role of Finding Out in Type 2 Diabetes Management among West-African Immigrants Living in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6037
Author(s):  
Folashade Alloh ◽  
Ann Hemingway ◽  
Angela Turner-Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
African Immigrants ◽  
West African ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
The Uk ◽  
West African Immigrants ◽  
The Impact

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prevalence is three times higher among West African Immigrants compared to the general population in the UK. The challenges of managing T2DM among this group have resulted in complications. Reports have highlighted the impact of migration on the health of the immigrant population, and this has contributed to the need to understand the influence of living in West Africa, and getting diagnosed with T2DM, in the management of their condition in the UK. Using a qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach, thirty-four West African immigrants living in the UK were recruited for this study. All participants were interviewed using Semi-structured interviews. After coding transcripts, concepts emerged including noticing symptoms, delayed diagnosis, affordability of health services, beliefs about health, feelings at diagnosis, and emotions experienced at diagnosis all contribute to finding out about diagnosis T2DM. These factors were linked to living in West Africa, among participants, and played significant roles in managing T2DM in the UK. These concepts were discussed under finding out as the overarching concept. Findings from this study highlight important aspects of T2DM diagnosis and how lived experiences, of living in West Africa and the UK, contribute to managing T2DM among West African immigrants. The findings of this study can be valuable for healthcare services supporting West African immigrants living in the UK.

scholarly journals Exploring the Experiences of West African Immigrants Living with Type 2 Diabetes in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3516
Author(s):  
Alloh ◽  
Hemingway ◽  
Turner-Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
African Immigrants ◽  
West African ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
The Uk ◽  
West African Immigrants ◽  
The Impact

The increasing prevalence and poorer management of Type 2 diabetes among West African immigrants in the UK is a public health concern. This research explored the experiences of West African immigrants in the management of Type 2 diabetes in the UK using a constructivist grounded theory approach. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with thirty-four West African immigrants living with Type 2 diabetes in the London area. Fifteen male and nineteen female adult West African immigrants with age range from 33–82 years participated in the study. Participants were recruited from five diabetes support groups and community settings. Initial, focused and theoretical coding, constant comparison and memos were used to analyse collected data. Three concepts emerged: Changing dietary habits composed of participants’ experiences in meeting dietary recommendations, improving physical activity concerned with the experience of reduced physical activity since moving to the UK and striving to adapt which focus on the impact of migration changes in living with Type 2 diabetes in the UK. These address challenges that West African immigrants experience in the management of Type 2 diabetes in the UK. The findings of this research provide a better understanding of the influencing factors and can be used to improve the support provided for West Africans living with Type 2 diabetes in the UK, presenting a deeper understanding of socio-cultural factors that contribute to supporting individuals from this population.

Abstract P354: The “Afro-Cardiac Study” Identifies High Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in West African Immigrants in the United States

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Y Commodore-Mensah ◽  
Charles A Berko ◽  
Maame E Sampah ◽  
Joycelyn Cudjoe ◽  
Cheryl D Himmelfarb
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
African Immigrants ◽  
The United States ◽  
West African ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
West African Immigrants

Introduction: The African immigrant population grew 40-fold between 1960 and 2007, from 35,355 to 1.4 million with one third coming from West Africa, primarily Ghana and Nigeria. African immigrants have been understudied and, traditionally, lumped into the racial category of Black/African-American. We have examined the prevalence of CVD risk factors (hypertension, overweight/obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, current smoking and physical inactivity), assessed global CVD risk and identified independent predictors of increased CVD risk by sex in West African immigrants (WAI). Methods: Cross-sectional study of WAI (Ghanaians and Nigerians) aged 35-74 years recruited from churches in the Baltimore/ Washington, DC metropolitan area. CVD risk factors were determined per AHA guidelines. Descriptive statistics were performed on participant’s Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) scores and CVD risk factors with comparison by sex. Participants with PCE scores ≥7.5% and ≥3 CVD risk factors were deemed high risk. A multivariable logistic regression was fitted to identify independent predictors of high CVD risk. Results: The mean age of the 253 participants was 49.5±9.2 years and 58% were female. Males were more likely to be employed than females (90% vs. 72%; p=0.001). Only 52% of participants had health insurance. The majority [54% [137/253)] had ≥3 CVD risk factors and 28% had PCE score ≥7.5%. Smoking was the least prevalent (<1%) and overweight/obesity the most prevalent (88%) risk factor. Although females (64%) were more likely to be treated for hypertension than males (36%), there was no difference in hypertension control by sex. Diabetes was identified in 16% of the participants. Mean total cholesterol (TC) was 180.9±33.9mg/dL and 32% had TC level ≥200mg/dL. In addition, 44% were found to be physically inactive (<150minutes/week of moderate or <75minutes/week of vigorous physical activity). In females, employment [0.18 AOR, 95%CI: 0.075-0.44)] and health insurance [0.35 AOR, 95%CI 0.14-0.87)] were associated with a PCE score ≥7.5%. In males, higher social support was associated with a 0.92 (95%CI: 0.84-0.98) odds of having ≥3 CVD risk factors. Conclusion: The high prevalence of CVD risk among relatively young WAIs is worrisome and suggests that the “healthy immigrant effect” may no longer hold for 21st century African immigrants. Employment and health insurance were protective against high CVD risk in females with social support protective against high CVD risk in males. CVD prevention strategies must be tailored to the unique needs of the WAI with consideration of socioeconomic status and sex.

scholarly journals An Exploration of the Barriers in the Prevention and Control of High Blood Pressure Among West African Immigrants in Rhode Island

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ntaobasi Udeh
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Rhode Island ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
African Immigrants ◽  
West African ◽  
Pressure Management ◽  
West African Immigrants ◽  
And Control

This is a report of a pilot study to explore the barriers to the prevention and control of high blood pressure by West African immigrants in Rhode Island. The incidence of high blood pressure is high in African Americans with many possible contributory factors documented. However, little is known about possible barriers to the control of high blood pressure among specific black ethnic populations such as West African immigrants living in Rhode Island. A qualitative research design employing a semi-structured interview was utilize to explore the issue. The barriers to high blood pressure management reported by these West Africans immigrants reported included: psychosocial stressors, inability to adopt lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, belief system, and a lack of complete adherence to medication regimen. The study also highlighted the fact that some primary care providers for these patients are not following the recommended interventions for the management of high blood pressure in people of black ancestry. The findings of this pilot study support the need for provider use of available treatment guidelines for population from black ancestry and the necessity for adequate patient education in the areas of stress management strategies and lifestyle modification as adjuncts to medication prescribed for high blood pressure management.

scholarly journals Social Inequality and Type 2 Diabetes Management among Older Latinx Immigrants

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha ◽  
Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha ◽  
Frauke Schnell
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Immigrant Populations ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
The U.S

Being an immigrant in the contemporary U.S. is stressful. During the pandemic of 2020, these stressors are amplified for all populations. At the same time, Latinx immigrants are also disproportionately affected by the pandemic. They are more vulnerable, face greater economic challenges, and are more likely to die from the virus. In addition to these difficult realities, regardless of status, Latinx immigrants are often perceived as illegal and subjected to discriminatory treatment [1]. Type 2 diabetes is also an illness that disproportionately affects minorities and immigrant populations. In 2018, there were almost 60 million Latinos-18% of the U.S. population (more than one in six)-living in the United States [2]. In addition to the myriad of stressors that immigrants, particularly older immigrants experience, the stigma and vulnerability associated with the pandemic of 2020 are likely to have serious negative consequences on their health and well-being. This paper addresses some of the challenges Latinx immigrants face as they struggle to manage Type 2 diabetes during a pandemic.

scholarly journals Pilot Study of a Prototype Integrated Diabetes Management System and the Relationship of Use to Diabetes Management Behaviors and HbA1c Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Iproceedings ◽  
10.2196/16298 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e16298
Author(s):  
Connor Devoe ◽  
Nils Fischer ◽  
Tim Hale ◽  
Neda Derakhshani ◽  
Mursal Atif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Basal Insulin ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
The United States ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Management Behaviors ◽  
Hba1c Levels

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the seventh leading cause of death (2017) in the United States, and by 2030 it is estimated that it will affect 439 million globally. Effective glycemic control can be challenging for patients. A tool to guide patients’ in their self-management behaviors and share this data with their physician may improve insulin adherence leading to lower HbA1c. We examined an integrated diabetes management (IDM) system that utilizes a Bluetooth-enabled insulin event capture device, a Bluetooth-enabled glucometer, and an Android smartphone app. IDM data can be viewed by clinicians in the electronic medical record (EMR). Objective The primary aim of this study is to describe how app use is related to insulin adherence, blood glucose measurements, meal snapshots, and step count. Secondarily, we assessed the impact on HbA1c levels over a 3- and 6-month period. Methods Thirty-five participants were enrolled from Boston-area hospitals in this single-arm pilot study. Use of the IDM system was defined as the number of days per week participants logged into the app and moved past the home screen. Three app use groups were created: low app use (0.33-2.46 days per week), medium app use (2.54-5.08 days per week), and high app use (>5.4 days per week). Adherence to insulin, blood glucose measurements, and meal snapshots were defined as a ratio of actual weekly events recorded by participants’ app use divided by their physician’s recommendation. Step count was defined as the total weekly steps for each participant. Daily app-generated data on app use and indicators of diabetes management were collected. HbA1c levels were assessed via blood test at enrollment, 3-months, and 6-months. Using a hierarchical linear mixed model, we examined changes in outcome measures while accounting for random intercepts and slopes to control for variation in individual outcomes over the study. Results Overall app use (average unique days using the app per week) declined from 6.19 days to 3.00 days (at 1 and 24 weeks, respectively). Participants with high app use had significant improvement in bolus and basal insulin adherence per week (0.009 P=.041 [95% CI 0.0004 to 0.018] and 0.016 P<.001 [95% CI 0.0079 to 0.023], respectively), but participants had no significant improvements in blood glucose and meal snapshot adherence or absolute step count. HbA1c significantly decreased per week (coefficient –0.025 [95% CI –0.044 to –0.007], P=.007) with an overall change of 0.6. Participants with high app use significantly improved their HbA1c per week (–0.037 P=.016 [–0.066 to –0.0067]) compared to participants with medium and low app use, yielding a total improvement of 0.88 over 24 weeks. Conclusions Results show that bolus and basal insulin may have increased with higher app use. HbA1c significantly improved over the course of the study, along with significantly greater improvement in HbA1c among participants with higher app use compared to participants in the middle or low app use groups. This study is not designed or intended to evaluate efficacy but provides results to guide the future design and development of this prototype IDM system.

scholarly journals Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Beliefs and Daily Practices in First Generation Asian Indians in the United States

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237796082110548
Author(s):  
Rupinder M Deol ◽  
Lisa M Thompson ◽  
Kevin M Chun ◽  
Catherine Chesla
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Gender Roles ◽  
Asian Indians ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
The United States ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Dietary Practices ◽  
Beliefs And Practices

Introduction Diabetes management and control remain poor in Asian Indians (AI) and is influenced by personal beliefs and cultural practices. Since AIs have a high prevalence of diabetes and are more likely develop complications earlier than any other ethnic group, understanding their beliefs and practices of diabetes management is essential. The purpose of this study was to examine and understand beliefs and practices about diabetes self-management in first-generation AI Hindus and Sikhs. Method Interpretative phenomenology was used to interview 12 first generation AI participants with type 2 diabetes to elicit beliefs and daily self-management practices of diabetes. Interpretative and thematic analysis were completed. Results Diabetes self-management was a balancing act influenced by Ayurvedic principles, allopathy and dietary practices; gender roles, insufficient knowledge and culturally inappropriate diabetes education. Discussion Culturally appropriate strategies that incorporate Ayurvedic principles, dietary practices, gender roles should be developed to improve diabetes management.

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