Understanding Diabetes Self-Management Among Vietnamese Americans: A Focused Ethnography.

INTRODUCTION

The Vietnamese American (VA) population is projected to grow to 3.9 million by 2030. This demographic shift could affect health care cost as VAs have greater susceptibility for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Few studies have explored diabetes self-management (DSM) among VAs. The aim of this study was to explore and describe how VAs with T2DM perceive diabetes and DSM practices.

METHOD

A focused ethnographic design, using semi-structured interviews and participant observation, was used to understand DSM among VAs.

RESULTS

The following four themes emerged: (a) defining diabetes and its etiology, (b) body awareness as a way of managing diabetes, (c) maintaining strength after being diagnosed with diabetes, and (d) navigating sources of information regarding diabetes.

DISCUSSION

The study findings suggest that DSM is a complex and recursive process, with integrations of cultural practices and influences from the environment. These findings can help the development of culturally tailored interventions to assist with DSM.