Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global problem that can have a significant negative impact on health. For Haitian migrants living in rural bateyes (i.e., sugarcane industry villages) of the Dominican Republic, T2DM is associated with significant morbidity. Objectives To identify individual, relationship, community, and societal factors that impact diabetes self-management for adults living with T2DM in two Dominican bateyes. A secondary objective was to better understand the resources needed to enhance diabetes health outcomes for the batey community. Methods A narrative descriptive study using the socio-ecological model (SEM) to guide interview questions and data analysis was conducted. Participants (n = 12) were members of a non-governmental organization that provides T2DM health education and care in two bateyes. Interviews were conducted via videoconferencing. Results One overarching theme emerged from the data analysis was "a scarcity of resources." This theme was perceived by all participants as the greatest factor that negatively impacts the ability of adults living with T2DM in the bateyes to self-manage their disease. Other major themes were organized within the levels of the SEM: individuals, relationships, communities, and societies. Conclusions This qualitative study revealed a variety of complex factors that impact T2DM self-management for the batey community. Findings from this study may be used to inform novel interventions to help this population enhance their T2DM outcomes. Future endeavors should consider utilizing a community-based research methodology to develop intervention strategies.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to better understand the factors that influence the ability of batey adults to self-manage their type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used to conduct in-depth, individual interviews in Spanish. Participants (n = 12) were health care workers and members of a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that provides direct diabetes care to batey residents via free, pop-up, mobile medical clinics. Conventional content analysis was used to identify categories and common themes in the data. Results Participants described daily existence in the bateyes as a constant “scarcity of resources.” Additionally, four themes and one subtheme emerged that participants felt impacted diabetes health outcomes and the ability of NGO health care workers to provide diabetes care. Conclusions NGO members, while committed to serve and improve health outcomes for the batey population, often felt overwhelmed. Findings from this qualitative descriptive study may be used to inform novel interventions, which are needed, to enhance the diabetes outcomes of the batey residents who are living with T2DM. In addition, strategies are needed to build diabetes care infrastructure in the batey community.