title: Medication-taking beliefs and diabetes in American Samoa: a qualitative inquiry.
abstract: In American Samoa (AS), nearly 22% of adults have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is best managed by diet and lifestyle modifications and strict medication adherence. Cultural aspects might affect medication-taking beliefs, and thereby influence medication adherence. This study aims to explore diabetes medication-taking experiences and knowledge and related cultural beliefs in AS adults with diabetes and healthcare providers. Six focus groups were conducted with 39 AS adults with diabetes and individual interviews were performed with 13 diabetes healthcare providers. Data were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 8 software. Themes pertaining to medication taking and adherence were identified. Patients and providers reported that barriers such as confusion about medications and concern about medication costs negatively influence medication taking, while cultural values and obligations both positively and negatively impact medication adherence. These findings help elucidate the relationship between medication-taking beliefs and culture in AS adults with diabetes and highlight the importance of continued research within this population.
authors.affiliation: Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI 02912-9025, USA ; Department of Health Disparities Research Unit 1440, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 301402, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA.
authors.forename: Diana W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Depue
authors.forename: Rochelle K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bereolos
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Goldstein
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tuitele
authors.forename: Ofeira
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Nu'usolia
authors.forename: Stephen T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: McGarvey
keywords: Adherence; American Samoa; Diabetes; Medication-taking beliefs
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