Perceived Risk of Diabetes Among Vietnamese Americans With Prediabetes: Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background Vietnamese Americans have a relatively high risk of developing diabetes at younger ages, yet there are no published studies exploring their risk perceptions. Objective This mixed methods study describes perceived diabetes risk in the context of an underserved population. Methods This study was guided by the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation. Snowball sampling was used to recruit 10 Vietnamese Americans with prediabetes and achieve data saturation. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive methodologies with data transformation were used to analyze data from semistructured interviews and questionnaires to explore the dimensions of perceived diabetes risk. Results Participants were between the ages of 30 and 75 years with diversity also noted in diabetes risk factors. The 3 risk perception domains from qualitative data were risk factors, disease severity, and preventing diabetes. The main perceived diabetes risk factors were eating habits (including cultural influences), sedentary lifestyle, and family history of diabetes. Quantitative data supported qualitative findings of a low-to-moderate level of perceived diabetes risk. Despite the lower levels of perceived diabetes risk, Vietnamese Americans do believe that the severity of diabetes is a “big concern.” Conclusions Vietnamese Americans with prediabetes have a low-to-moderate level of perceived diabetes risk. Understanding the perceived diabetes risk in this population provides a foundation for diabetes prevention interventions that consider cultural influences on diet and exercise.

A systematic review on the level of risk perception of diabetes mellitus: The role of environmental factor

“…Hence, exploring the layers of this complexity may help to better understand the risk perception of diabetes and facilitate the formulation of better preventive strategies. The perception of slight risk to health across the environmental health hazard found in this review is in line with earlier studies in the United States involving nondiabetic healthcare personnel [ 52 , 53 ] and adults with prediabetes [ 54 ]. Even though the perception of risk to health of environmental exposure is low on average and may seem insignificant, people might be worried that the risk falls disproportionally on the vulnerable groups and thus call for action [ 55 ].…”

Understanding Diabetes Self-Management Among Vietnamese Americans: A Focused Ethnography

“…Vietnamese Americans (VAs) have a higher susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than non-Hispanic Whites, often presenting at a younger age and with lower body mass indexes (BMIs; De Souza et al, 2022; A. T. Nguyen et al, 2023). In a recent study, VAs with normal BMIs had 60% higher adjusted odds of developing diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites (De Souza et al, 2022).…”

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Background and SignificanceVietnamese Americans (VAs) have a higher susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than non-Hispanic Whites, often presenting at a younger age and with lower body mass indexes (BMIs;De Souza et al, 2022;A. T. Nguyen et al, 2023).

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