title: Diabetes in urban African Americans. V. Use of discussion groups to identify barriers to dietary therapy among low-income individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
abstract: Dietary therapy remains an integral part of diabetes management. The study objective was to identify potential barriers to dietary adherence among low-income, urban black patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Forty-five patients participated in discussion group interviews that consisted of open-ended questions. Four problem areas were identified: habitual, economic, social, and conceptual. Most patients felt that the recommended meal plans were lacking in taste, and the cost of low-fat and sugar-free items was perceived as a major drawback. Lack of family support and family pressure to use fat-containing food seasoning were frequent problems. Participants had trouble following the food exchange system and analyzing food labels. Feedback suggested that dietary strategies may need to be revised to provide appropriate menus, identify low-cost foods, involve patients' families, and teach patients how to make healthy food choices. The discussion group approach was quick, simple, and could be easily translated to other settings.
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: El-Kebbi
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Bacha
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Ziemer
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Musey
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Gallina
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dunbar
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000208:ethnology*; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011203:Poverty; D014504:Urban Health