Carolyn J. Murrock, RN, PhD, Evelyn Taylor, MS, RD ... AWS
Challenges of African American Women Living with Diabetes Carolyn J. Murrock, RN, PhD, Evelyn Taylor, MS, RD, LD, Deborah Marino, RD, MPH, PhD College of Health Professions, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
Background ● Type 2 diabetes is increasing particularly within the African American population ● African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to develop diabetes than Caucasians
● Four focus groups were facilitated by an African American Registered Dietitian who was a Certified Diabetes Educator
Results
● Using semi-structured interviews, the participants were asked to talk about their daily experiences and challenges of trying to change dietary habits and the type of diabetes education they received
● Mean age was 47.7 years (SD=15.2; range 19-84 years) ● Mean years of having diabetes was 8.9 years (SD= 9.4) ● The majority were single (58.3%) and earned less than $20,000/year (75%). ● Five common themes were identified
Analysis
Common Themes
● Data from each of the four focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
● Themes were compared and contrasted within and across the four focus groups until consensus was reached
Difficulty reducing sweets, pasta, and bread intake Need for individual dietary guidance Need for support from family, friends, and healthcare providers Frustration with diabetes education received at diagnosis Need for continuing education to manage diabetes
Implications
Purpose ● The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the daily experiences and challenges of changing dietary habits in African American women with diabetes
Methods ● Using a descriptive, exploratory design, a convenience sample of 24 African American women with diabetes was recruited from a family practice center in the Midwest
● Diabetes education needs to be more individualized ● Support from family and friends needs to be an integral part of diabetes education ● Health care professionals, especially diabetic educators, should provide ongoing support
Acknowledgement ● This study was supported by the American Nurses Foundation, the Gloria Smith Scholar Grant (2010-059)
Background ● Type 2 diabetes is increasing particularly within the African American population ● African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to develop diabetes than Caucasians
● Four focus groups were facilitated by an African American Registered Dietitian who was a Certified Diabetes Educator
Results
● Using semi-structured interviews, the participants were asked to talk about their daily experiences and challenges of trying to change dietary habits and the type of diabetes education they received
● Mean age was 47.7 years (SD=15.2; range 19-84 years) ● Mean years of having diabetes was 8.9 years (SD= 9.4) ● The majority were single (58.3%) and earned less than $20,000/year (75%). ● Five common themes were identified
Analysis
Common Themes
● Data from each of the four focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
● Themes were compared and contrasted within and across the four focus groups until consensus was reached
Difficulty reducing sweets, pasta, and bread intake Need for individual dietary guidance Need for support from family, friends, and healthcare providers Frustration with diabetes education received at diagnosis Need for continuing education to manage diabetes
Implications
Purpose ● The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the daily experiences and challenges of changing dietary habits in African American women with diabetes
Methods ● Using a descriptive, exploratory design, a convenience sample of 24 African American women with diabetes was recruited from a family practice center in the Midwest
● Diabetes education needs to be more individualized ● Support from family and friends needs to be an integral part of diabetes education ● Health care professionals, especially diabetic educators, should provide ongoing support
Acknowledgement ● This study was supported by the American Nurses Foundation, the Gloria Smith Scholar Grant (2010-059)
