Milagros C Rosal1, Amy Borg2, Jamie S Bodenlos3, Trinidad Tellez4, Ira S Ockene5. 1. Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School 2. Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts (Borg) 3. Department of Psychology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York (Bodenlos) 4. New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Concord, New Hampshire (Tellez; at the time of this study, Dr Tellez was at the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Lawrence, Massachusetts) 5. Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts (Ockene)
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study assessed awareness of type 2 diabetes risk and severity, perceived risk factors, knowledge of diabetes prevention strategies, and challenges of and opportunities for prevention among low-income Latinos in Lawrence, Massachusetts. METHODS: Qualitative research design. Latinos with no known diagnosis of diabetes participated in 4 focus groups, conducted in Spanish, which were recorded and transcribed for systematic analysis. RESULTS: The sample, (N = 41) was largely female (85%) with a wide age range (22-76 years), most (71%) had an educational level of high school or less, and less than half (46%) were employed. Participants had basic knowledge of diabetes, but gaps were apparent. Many perceived family history of diabetes, poor diet, emotional distress, and stress associated with the United States as risk factors for diabetes. There was little or no awareness of risk associated with Latino ethnicity, gestational diabetes, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, or obesity. Few cited physical activity or weight loss as diabetes prevention strategies. More than half the participants perceived themselves at low risk for diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This Latino sample had limited knowledge of diabetes risk factors and lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay diabetes onset. Insights for intervening for diabetes prevention are offered.
PURPOSE: This study assessed awareness of type 2 diabetes risk and severity, perceived risk factors, knowledge of diabetes prevention strategies, and challenges of and opportunities for prevention among low-income Latinos in Lawrence, Massachusetts. METHODS: Qualitative research design. Latinos with no known diagnosis of diabetes participated in 4 focus groups, conducted in Spanish, which were recorded and transcribed for systematic analysis. RESULTS: The sample, (N = 41) was largely female (85%) with a wide age range (22-76 years), most (71%) had an educational level of high school or less, and less than half (46%) were employed. Participants had basic knowledge of diabetes, but gaps were apparent. Many perceived family history of diabetes, poor diet, emotional distress, and stress associated with the United States as risk factors for diabetes. There was little or no awareness of risk associated with Latino ethnicity, gestational diabetes, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, or obesity. Few cited physical activity or weight loss as diabetes prevention strategies. More than half the participants perceived themselves at low risk for diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This Latino sample had limited knowledge of diabetes risk factors and lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay diabetes onset. Insights for intervening for diabetes prevention are offered.
Authors: Ira S Ockene; Trinidad L Tellez; Milagros C Rosal; George W Reed; John Mordes; Philip A Merriam; Barbara C Olendzki; Garry Handelman; Robert Nicolosi; Yunsheng Ma Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2011-12-15 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Matthew J O'Brien; Margaret R Moran; Joyce W Tang; Maria C Vargas; Mary Talen; Laura J Zimmermann; Ronald T Ackermann; Namratha R Kandula Journal: Diabetes Educ Date: 2016-09-12 Impact factor: 2.140
Authors: Madhuri Palnati; Bess H Marcus; Penelope Pekow; Milagros C Rosal; JoAnn E Manson; Lisa Chasan-Taber Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2021-05-13 Impact factor: 6.604
Authors: Lisa Chasan-Taber; Bess H Marcus; Milagros C Rosal; Katherine L Tucker; Sheri J Hartman; Penelope Pekow; Barry Braun; Tiffany A Moore Simas; Caren G Solomon; Joann E Manson; Glenn Markenson Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2014-03-10 Impact factor: 3.007
Authors: Lisa Chasan-Taber; Bess H Marcus; Milagros C Rosal; Katherine L Tucker; Sheri J Hartman; Penelope Pekow; Edward Stanek; Barry Braun; Caren G Solomon; JoAnn E Manson; Sarah L Goff; Glenn Markenson Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2015-07-30 Impact factor: 3.007