Objectives: Diabetes-specific family behaviors are associated with self-care and glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes. Formative research is needed to inform assessment of these behaviors and interventions to address obstructive family behaviors (sabotaging and nagging/arguing), particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and low-income adults who struggle most with self-care adherence.
Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study with adults with type 2 diabetes at a Federally Qualified Health Center to better understand experiences with diabetes-specific family behaviors and willingness to engage family members in diabetes interventions. Participants completed a phone survey (N = 53) and/or attended a focus group (n = 15).
Results: Participants were 70% African American and had low socioeconomic status (96% annual income <US$20K, 51% uninsured). Although 62% lived with family members, only 48% lived with the person providing the most diabetes-specific support. Participants' family living situations were diverse and multigenerational. Most (64%) experienced both supportive and obstructive family behaviors from the same person(s). Some participants (40%) said engaging family in interventions would positively affect all members; others (27%) did not want to involve family.
Discussion: Findings can inform the design and content of interventions targeting family involvement in adults' type 2 diabetes, with implications for assessing family behaviors, intervention modalities, and who to engage.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes; family involvement; intervention; social environment; social support.
© The Author(s) 2016.