Haida perspectives on living with non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the experience of Haida people living with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), in order to provide a basis for a culturally sensitive community-based approach to managing NIDDM.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using grounded theory.

SETTING

The villages of Skidegate and Old Massett in Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), British Columbia.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine focus groups met at the beginning and six at the end of the project. The focus groups had 8 to 12 members each and roughly the same number of men and women overall. The groups included people with diabetes, family members of people with diabetes, community leaders and elders.

FINDINGS

Conceptual findings related to the participants' views on the impact of NIDDM on their lives, their views on what life was like before the effects of NIDDM were felt and their beliefs about the prevention and treatment of NIDDM. Six themes recurred in the discussions: fear; grief and loss; the loss of and desire to regain control; food and eating; physical and personal strength; and traditional ways.

CONCLUSIONS

Insights into the illness experience of different cultural groups can inform program development and the creation of culturally sensitive health care interventions.