Cultural issues in disease management for chinese americans with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight culturally unique experiences and responses to type 2 diabetes among Chinese immigrant families. Patient and spouse narratives from 16 different families were elicited in a series of group interviews on this topic. Using interpretive phenomenology, 5 primary cultural considerations in diabetes management emerged from the narratives: (1) conceptualization of diabetes, illness and health, (2) significance and meaning of food, (3) perceptions of Chinese and Western medicines, (4) exercise and physical activity, and (5) effects of the disease on family dynamics. The relation of these cultural considerations to an interdependent view of the self, collectivistic social orientation, Chinese cultural beliefs and norms, and acculturation processes are discussed. Clinical recommendations for culturally appropriate disease management strategies are outlined.

Keywords:

• Chinese Americans
• Diabetes
• Chronic illness

Acknowledgments

Kevin M. Chun, Department of Psychology, University of San Francisco; Catherine A. Chesla, Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco.

This study was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (DK-53203).

The authors thank the following clinical settings for their assistance in patient recruitment: Alta Bates Medical Center, Brown and Toland Medical Group, California Pacific Medical Center, Northern California Kaiser Medical Centers, Northeast Medical Services, San Francisco General Hospital and Neighborhood Health Centers, University of California, San Francisco Hospital and Clinics; and Drs. K.K. Pun, F. Tzeng, and Y. Yeung.

The authors acknowledge the contributions of additional investigators, Lawrence Fisher, Marilyn Skaff, Phillip Gardiner, Richard Kantor, and the contributions of the research assistants, Queenie Bin and Elisa Wong.

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Catherine A. Chesla †

Tel.: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. E-mail: [email protected]