Slavic women's understanding of diabetes dietary self-management and reported dietary behaviors.
BACKGROUND
Slavic women with type 2 diabetes are an understudied group for issues related to dietary self-management for diabetes and heart health.


METHODS
A single home or extension office visit was conducted with ten Slavic women for an individual in-depth interview, clinical and physical assessment, and a survey questionnaire.


RESULTS
Participants were in poor diabetes control. They reported changes in traditional foods to better support diabetes control and heart health. Most appeared responsive to their health care provider's recommendations and valued cooking classes from a Russian-speaking educator. Barriers included perceived expense of a healthy diet. Cultural bridges between patients and their caregivers were critical supports for self-management.


CONCLUSIONS
Support of Slavic women with diabetes should include health care providers knowledgeable about Slavic dietary and health concepts, Russian-speaking educators who can bridge between traditional foodways and the U.S. food system, and appropriate involvement of the patient's social support network.
Shultz
Jill Armstrong
JA
Department of Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6378, USA. armstroj@wsu.edu
Corbett
Cynthia F
CF
Allen
Carol B
CB
D000328:Adult; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003469:Culture; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006331:Heart Diseases; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012651:Self Medication; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology