Living with Diabetes: Challenges and Barriers Encountered in Diabetes Care & Management Practices

Objective:The objective of the study was to assess the challenges and barriers encountered by African Americans regarding routine diabetes care and management.

Methods:Participants were recruited from faith-based organizations, local health fairs, newspaper ads and church contacts.  Eligible participants were African Americans who were 18 years of age or older with doctor diagnosed diabetes.  A focus group moderator’s guide was developed that covered subjects relevant to diabetes care and management. Nine focus groups were conducted between September 2008 and March 2009.  

Results:A total of 103 individuals (75 females, 28 males) participated in the focus groups.  Median age of the participants was 54.  Challenges most prevalent among participants included proper diet, regular exercise, medication compliance and cost.   Some barriers to attending DSME classes were expense, lack of insurance coverage, and work schedule. Results indicate that 46% of the participants were aware of the DSME program. Of the 46% who were aware of the DSME, 68% actually attended.  The majority (99.9%) of those who attended the DSME classes believed the knowledge gained aided in monitoring their blood sugar and diet.

Conclusion:The focus groups identified challenges and barriers to diabetes care.  Those who were aware of DSME but did not attend reported that diet and exercise were more challenging than for those who did attend.  There was little difference reported in medication compliance challenges between those who did and did not attend.  DSME attendance may have a positive impact on diabetes care in this population.