| Title | A culturally sensitive diabetes peer support for older Mexican-Americans |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2012 |
| Authors | Haltiwanger, EP, Brutus, H |
| Journal | Occup Ther IntOccup Ther Int |
| Volume | 19 |
| Pagination | 67-75 |
| Date Published | Jun |
| ISBN Number | 1557-0703 (Electronic)<br/>0966-7903 (Linking) |
| Accession Number | 21774018 |
| Keywords | Aged, Aged, 80 and Over, Cultural Characteristics, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ ethnology, Female, Humans, Male, Mexican Americans/ education/psychology, Middle Aged, Occupational Therapy, Patient Compliance, Patient Education as Topic/ organization & administration, Peer Group, Texas |
| 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. |
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