Explanatory models of diabetes among Asian and Caucasian participants

Abstract

Difference in explanatory models (EMs) between the person and the healthcare professional has been suggested as one reason for non-adherence to a recommended treatment regimen. The aim of this study was to explore the EMs of diabetes by a group of Asian and Caucasian participants. A total of 25 Asians and 24 Caucasians were recruited from a local diabetic clinic and subsequently interviewed about their personal EMs of diabetes. Responses to the tape-recorded semistructured interview questions about the perceived cause, time and mode of symptom onset, pathophysiology, course of illness and treatment were analysed and categories of response established and compared across the two groups. Although the results indicated some similarities of EMs of diabetes between the groups, certain differences were identified. It is suggested that nurses who include EMs in their care planning are more likely to enhance adherence among people with diabetes.

Religion and self‐management of Thai Buddhist and Muslim women with type 2 diabetes

“…The Muslim women's maintenance of their religious practice of praying five times a day may be explained by Muslims’ belief that God controls everything that happens to people (Zahr & Hattar‐Pollara , Naeem , Meetoo & Meetoo ). Many Muslims consider illness an atonement for sins and meet it with patience and prayers.…”

“…Samuel-Hodge et al (2000) noted that African-American women mentioned asking God for help in controlling diabetes. Allah's will has been mentioned as a factor influencing the onset of diabetes (Zahr & Hattar-Pollara 1998, Naeem 2003, Meetoo & Meetoo 2005, and the power of Allah has been involved in explanations of diabetes and its prognosis (Greenhalgh et al 1998). Religious involvement is positively related to a variety of physical and mental health outcomes (McCullough et al 2000, Koenig et al 2001.…”

“…() noted that African‐American women mentioned asking God for help in controlling diabetes. Allah's will has been mentioned as a factor influencing the onset of diabetes (Zahr & Hattar‐Pollara , Naeem , Meetoo & Meetoo ), and the power of Allah has been involved in explanations of diabetes and its prognosis (Greenhalgh et al . ).…”

Social support in type II diabetes care: a case of too little, too late

“…A study comparing the illness perceptions of Caucasians and Asians in England reported that Asians used alternative medication to supplement Western medicine, based on advice by their social support network 54. In New Zealand, a comparative study of European New Zealanders and those of Tongan descent found that the latter believed God’s will as well as environmental pollution were more likely to have caused their diabetes 55…”

Study of Pulmonary Function Tests in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Case Control Study

“…2 This is equivalent to about 6% of the world's adult population. 3 Diabetes is common both in the developed and developing world. 4 World Health Organization estimates that more than 180 million people worldwide have diabetes, and by 2030 it is expected that this number will have doubled.…”