The Arab American experience with diabetes: Perceptions, myths and implications for culturally-specific interventions. Issue 1 (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bertran, Elizabeth A.; Pinelli, Nicole R.; Sills, Stephen J.; Jaber, Linda A.
• Is Part Of: Primary care diabetes. Volume 11:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Diabetes mellitus -- Arabs -- Focus groups -- Health beliefs; Diabetes -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2016.07.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-9918

Abstract

Highlights: There is a lack of data on Arab American diabetes perceptions. Perceptions and cultural preferences will help develop culturally-specific programs. Lifestyle interventions should address myths and folk remedies. Interventions should incorporate cultural content and account for gender norms. Family support and religious centers can enable cost-effective interventions. Abstract: Aims: Culturally-specific lifestyle diabetes prevention programs require an assessment of population disease perceptions and cultural influences on health beliefs and behaviors. The primary objectives were to assess Arab Americans' knowledge and perceptions of diabetes and their preferences for a lifestyle intervention. Methods: Sixty-nine self-identified Arab or Arab Americans ≥30 years of age and without diabetes participated in 8 focus groups. Results: Emerging themes from the data included myths about diabetes etiology, folk remedies, and social stigma. The main barrier to healthcare was lack of health insurance and/or cost of care. Intervention preferences included gender-specific exercise, group-delivered education featuring religious ideology, inclusion of the family, and utilization of community facilities. Conclusion: Lifestyle interventions for Arab Americans need to address cultural preferences, diabetes myths, and folk remedies. Interventions should incorporate Arabic cultural content and gender-specific group education and exercise. Utilization of family support and religious centers will enable culturally-acceptable and cost-effective interventions.