title: A culturally sensitive diabetes peer support for older Mexican-Americans.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if a peer-led diabetes support group intervention could improve adherence to recommendations for self-management in 42 Mexican-American elders with type 2 diabetes. This mixed-method pilot study occurred at a community-based diabetes education centre in Texas. The 10-week intervention programme was compared to usual care on five self-reported questionnaires and blood tests during four collection periods. Participants displayed statistically significant improvements in blood sugar, self-efficacy, transformational change and personal resources. Qualitative themes were derived from 30 focus group meetings, which were as follows: do not trust the system, choice + control = power and the social cost of diabetes. The results suggested a consultation role for occupational therapists in training peer leaders to learn to lead and manage community-based diabetes self-management programmes. Limitations were the sample size of the convenience sample, and the lack of qualitative analysis of the control group discussions. Future research should involve a study of expanded community-based social networks using experimental design.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at El Paso, Rehabilitation Sciences, El Paso, TX, USA. emilyh@utep.edu
authors.forename: Emily Piven
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Haltiwanger
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brutus
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010379:Peer Group; D013781:Texas