A Study of Hmong Immigrants' Experience With Diabetes Education: A Community-Engaged Qualitative Study

J Transcult Nurs. 2017 Nov;28(6):540-549. doi: 10.1177/1043659616661393. Epub 2016 Aug 2.

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in Hmong Americans, an understudied ethnic minority group. This research sought to identify barriers and facilitators related to the diabetes education experience of Hmong Americans with type 2 diabetes, living in central California.

Method: This qualitative study employed a hybrid design to identify barriers and facilitators to diabetes education. Two focus group interviews were conducted among 16 participants.

Findings: The three barriers identified are language, self-management, and stress; the three facilitators are focused culturally specific education, use of media, and peer support group. A priori elements of the Study of Access framework were confirmed.

Discussion/conclusion: There is a need for diabetes education in Hmong Americans. Health care access and education should incorporate culturally appropriate strategies that could improve health outcomes for the Hmong.

Implication: To improve diabetes care in the Hmong population, health educators should consider the use of cultural competency, language assistance, and culturally appropriate education to achieve better clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Hmong Americans; clinical areas; diabetes; diabetes education; grounded theory; research methods.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asian / education*
  • Asian / psychology*
  • California
  • Cultural Competency / psychology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic / standards*
  • Qualitative Research