CU Dissertations
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- Salvadoran Type 2 Diabetics and The Effects of Their Cultural Perceptions on Self-Management and Treatment Outcome
- Degree Awarded: Ph.D. Nursing. The Catholic University of America, Diabetes is a progressive and debilitating disease with an array of complications affecting millions of people in the U.S. The Hispanic population is a vulnerable population affected by this disease at an alarming rate. Some contributing factors to the diabetes health disparity in Hispanics include a lack of education in disease self-management behaviors and dissimilar cultural beliefs, which impacts the self-management of their diabetes. However, Salvadorans, as a subgroup in the Hispanic population, have been under-studied and not well represented in diabetes research. Specifically focusing on Salvadorans is critical for Hispanics are not a homogenous group as interventions and recommendations developed for Hispanics have resulted in minimal improvement of health outcomes in Salvadorans. The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural perceptions, habits and traditions of Salvadoran type II diabetics and understand the process by which cultural influences affect their self-management behaviors. A qualitative grounded theory methodology was utilized and the underpinnings of Dr. Leininger's Culture Care, Diversity, and Universality theory guided this study for better understanding of the cultural processes. Eighteen participants took part in semi-structured interviews, later transcribed and coded for content and comparative analysis. Three main themes: I am what I am, I am what I lived/believe, and I am what I know emerged from the data which encompassed an overarching I am Salvadoran substantive theory. The substantive theory described the dynamic processes of self-management for Salvadorans. The theory depicted the challenges experienced by the Salvadorans as they struggled to maintain their cultural identity while simultaneously adopting new behaviors, which conflicted with their traditional dietary habits, customs, and beliefs.Future research should focus on verification of the theoretical concepts and propositions and further elaboration of the theory. Further understanding of cultural influences in this population's self-management behaviors for diabetes needs to be acquired. Cultural variations among Hispanic subgroup populations should continue to be studied for the formulation of cultural-specific care and reduction of health disparities. The study supported the need for improvements in Salvadoran patient education programs and implementation of culturally sensitive and specific care.