Health Beliefs of Diabetic Pacific Islanders in Iowa

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

Diabetic Pacific Islanders from the Federated State of Micronesia island state of Pohnpei have settled in rural Iowa. Little is known about the people of Pohnpei. Research was undertaken to examine health practices and cultural beliefs of diabetic Ponapeans. Open-ended questions were utilized to interview 15 adults about their experiences in caring for their diabetes. Four themes were identified among participants: attitude toward diabetes, food choices, barriers to care, and support from community and family. Health care providers must prioritize culturally sensitive care. Understanding the importance of Ponapean faith and social community, working with community elders, and adapting diabetic education to address the role of rice as a primary food source are specific ways to meet the needs of the Ponapean people.

Comments

Online ahead of print 06 July 2021.

DOI

10.1007/s40615-021-01099-0

PMID

34231162

Publication

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

Publisher

Springer

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