Low-income American Indians' perceptions of diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine inner city American Indians' perceptions of diabetes; find out how they manage their disease; and identify what health care improvements may be necessary for this population.


METHODS
Eight focus group discussions conducted with diabetic inner city American Indian adults.


METHODS
Focus group discussions led by moderator using open-ended questions with prompts.


METHODS
Eligibility criteria include age (> or = 18 years), a self-reported diagnosis of diabetes, and self-identification as inner city American Indian. Participants were screened by telephone to ensure all criteria were met. Forty inner city American Indian men and women participated in 8 focus groups.


METHODS
American Indians' perception of diabetes, its treatment, and how they manage the disease.


METHODS
Focus group discussions were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed by coding responses and identifying common themes according to content analysis procedures. Quantitative data from self-administered demographic forms were analyzed.


RESULTS
Participants could verbalize information regarding treatment and management of diabetes, but few could apply this information to their own lives. Some participants were homeless or without insurance, which makes successful disease management difficult. Perceptions of the health care system varied; a majority felt the system was meeting their needs, whereas others said it was not adequate.


CONCLUSIONS
The study identified the need for health care workers to develop a better understanding of how this population lives; doing so could improve patient compliance to treatment. The results may provide direction for the development of culturally specific diabetes education appropriate for low-income patients focusing on the diabetic diet and exercise, and suggesting ways that the patient can move from knowing the information to implementing behavior change.
Lautenschlager
Lauren
L
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108-6099, USA.
Smith
Chery
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology*; D014505:Urban Population