Cultural perspectives on diabetes in an Appalachian population.
OBJECTIVE
To gain an understanding of cultural and socioeconomic forces that shape beliefs about diabetes and its self-management.


METHODS
Thirteen focus groups were conducted in community settings in West Virginia using a semistructured interview guide.


RESULTS
Diabetes is perceived as a relatively new disease. Self-management behaviors reflect a mixture of cultural beliefs and limited resources. Moral overtones stigmatize diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding patients' illness experiences from within their cultural framework is important for successful community programming regarding chronic disease management.
Smith
Shannon L
SL
Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. slsmith@wfubmc.edu
Tessaro
Irene A
IA
D001061:Appalachian Region; D001290:Attitude; D003469:Culture; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors