Purpose: This study examined the perception of diabetes among a sample of Pacific Islanders in Honolulu, Hawaii. All 23 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, ranged in age from 21 to 70 years, and had glycosylated hemoglobin levels of 5.8% to 13.9%.
Methods: Four focus groups were held in English and audiotaped. Outreach workers served as translators and comoderators. The content of transcripts was analyzed with Ethnograph software by investigators. The priority issues were confirmed by the comoderators and participants.
Results: Participants perceived diabetes as full of complications, emotions, symptoms, and behavior changes. Responses to hyperglycemia were fear, frustration, and uncertainty. Barriers to staying on the prescribed diet were habit, cultural ritual, ideal body image, and limited budget.
Conclusions: Participants suggested that helpful activities would include walking/support group, cooking class, community healthy food store, translated material, and family participation. A community-based diabetes program has been developing as a result of the focus group findings.