Date: February 24, 2011
Journal: Diabetes Educator (Diabetes Educ)
PubMed: 21343599
Davis, R. E., K. E. Peterson, et al. (2011). "Pushing the envelope for cultural appropriateness: does evidence support cultural tailoring in type 2 diabetes interventions for Mexican American adults?" Diabetes Educ 37(2): 227-238.
PURPOSE: This study explores the potential
utility of a culturally tailored diabetes management intervention approach by
testing associations between acculturation and diabetes-related beliefs among
Mexican-American adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Data from 288
Mexican-American adults with type 2 diabetes were obtained via a bilingual,
telephone-administered survey. Participants were drawn from a stratified,
random sample designed to obtain maximum variability in acculturation. The
survey assessed diabetes-related beliefs, intervention preferences, and the
following three acculturation constructs from the Hazuda acculturation and
assimilation scales: Spanish use, value for preserving Mexican culture, and
interaction with Mexican Americans. RESULTS: Only one outcome-preference for a
program for Mexican Americans-was associated with all three acculturation
variables. Spanish use was positively associated with belief in susto as a
cause of diabetes, preference for expert-driven health guidance, and
involvement of others in taking care of diabetes. Value for preserving Mexican
culture was related to a more holistic view of health, as evidenced by an
increased likelihood of consulting a curandero, use of prayer, and interest in
a diabetes program with religious content. Value for cultural preservation was
also related to higher suspicion of free diabetes programs. Interaction with
Mexican Americans was associated with a belief that insulin causes blindness.
CONCLUSION: Findings from this study suggest distinct relationships between
acculturation constructs and diabetes-related beliefs and preferences, thus arguing
against the use of a single acculturation construct to determine diabetes
intervention design. Cultural tailoring may enhance the cultural
appropriateness and ultimate effectiveness of diabetes interventions for
Mexican American adults.