Supporting Self-care in Migrants with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus, specifically type 2 diabetes, represents a growing global health concern, with a prevalence predicted to reach 783 million by 2045. Type 2 diabetes leads to personal suffering, reduced productivity and significant health care cost. Selfcare is the most important cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and patient education is a prerequsite for performing adequate self-care. Migrants show a risk of uncontrolled diabetes and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in migrants, living in European countries, poses challenges as cultural and language barriers might affect health care outcomes Culturally appropriate diabetes education is important for improving glycaemic control and health outcomes in migrant populations. In the Swedish health care setting, diabetes care follows national guidelines and is predominantly provided in primary health care centers. However, criticism has arisen regarding the lack of tailored care for migrants, leading to less effective health care. This thesis explores patients' competence and health providers' cultural competence influencing patient's self-care. Aim:The overall aim of this thesis was to gain knowledge that can contribute to optimising support of self-care in migrants with type 2 diabetes. The aim in study I was to compare foreign-and Swedish-born persons, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, to study whether there are dissimilarities in knowledge about diabetes mellitus and to study determinants of knowledge. The aim in study II was to describe the cultural competence of primary health care professionals that specialize in diabetes care and to examine related factors that affect cultural competence. In study III the aim was to describe the process of developing a culturally appropriate tool to support self-care in migrants with type 2 diabetes and in study IV the aim was to evaluate the feasibility of a culturally appropriate website, supporting self-care in migrants with type 2 diabetes. Methods:This thesis includes four studies with two cross-sectional descriptive studies one co-design study, and one feasibility study. In study I where knowledge and glycaemic control were assessed, patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, receiving care at a primary health care center, participated. The data was collected with validated questionnaire and described by numbers and percentage, mean (SD) and median (range). Comparisons participants expressed interest and demand for the website, and the planned strategy for implementation was considered reasonable. They also felt it was possible to integration the tool into existing primary health care infrastructure, as a complementary cultural appropriate tool.Conclusions: There are vulnerable groups in the society such as migrants born in the Middle East, with type 2 diabetes. This thesis highlights the importance of patient's competence and health care providers' cultural competence and the influence of self-care. The development of a culturally appropriate tool, such as the website, is proposed as a practical s...