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Corea del Sur
Corea del Sur
Aim The aim of this study was to explore barriers to and facilitators of diabetes self-management among first-generation Korean-American elderly immigrants with type 2 diabetes in the United States Midwest.
Background The number of Korean-American elderly immigrants with type 2 diabetes in the United States is expected to increase because they are at risk of adopting a Western lifestyle.
Methods Three focus groups (N = 18) and five individual interviews were conducted with Korean-American elderly immigrants with type 2 diabetes. Demographic characteristics and diabetes-related medical history information were obtained with a questionnaire. All data were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated from Korean into English. Transcripts were analysed using standard content-based analysis.
Results Five perceived barriers were identified: the high cost of type 2 diabetes care, language issues, loss of self-control, memory loss and limited access to healthcare resources. Three perceived facilitators were time, seeking information, and family and peer supports.
Limitations The convenience samples and small sample size may limit the study.
Conclusions The barriers to and facilitators of diabetes self-management identified in this study can be used in the development of more age- and culturally sensitive diabetes interventions and resources.
Implication for nursing and health policy Nurses and healthcare providers can use this study's findings to develop patient-centred, age-appropriate and culturally appropriate diabetes interventions. There are urgent needs to train bilingual healthcare providers and staff and to provide translation services for Korean-American elderly immigrants. Finally, communities and social supports within public health policy are urgently needed for this ethnic minority group.
