Views of Pacific Islands people with noninsulin dependent diabetes: a Wellington survey.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of the study were: (1) to ascertain the views of Pacific Islands people with diabetes on diabetes services they are receiving, and (2) to identify their perceptions on their health and diabetes related problems.


METHODS
A random sample survey of Wellington and Kenepuru diabetes clinics and the Wellington Pacific Islands community was undertaken using person to person interviews by seven trained Pacific Islands interviewers. The Tokelau Migrant Study questionnaire of Dr Ian Prior formed the basis for the questions used in this study.


RESULTS
The sample size was 120. Response rate 82.2%. Samoans were the main ethnic group at 62% and women the dominant gender at 75%. Mean age was 46%. Eighty eight percent presented with symptoms at diagnosis and 64% had diabetes of 5 years standing or more. Seventy eight percent were on diet and/or tablets and 73% reported having complications of which visual impairment was the most common. Twenty four percent were not happy with the current service. Fifty nine percent knew little or nothing about diabetes and 78% expressed a desire to know more. Good control was reported by 59%, and 66% reported they followed a diet. Forty five percent admitted having an overweight problem and 57% reported losing weight since diabetes diagnosed. Forty five percent knew how to test their blood sugar and 26% tested at home. Eighty nine percent favoured a specific service for Pacific Islands people with education being the major emphasis. More than a third preferred service to be near home and run by Pacific Islands health professionals.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of Pacific Islands people developed symptoms before going to see a doctor. It indicated that the majority have suffered from diabetes for a long time before seeking medical care for the first time. Most indicated being happy with the services they are receiving from their family doctors but if given a choice they would prefer a service specifically for themselves. Diabetes education as well as a treatment clinic were services most favoured with the preference close to home and to be delivered by Pacific Islands health professionals.
Mitikulena
A
A
Wellington Hospital.
Smith
R B
RB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010139:Pacific Islands; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011897:Random Allocation; D016896:Treatment Outcome