Qualitative study of cultural barriers influencing management of diabetes among Hispanic Americans in Hidalgo County

This qualitative ethnographic study explored cultural barriers influencing Hispanic Americans in managing diabetes in south Texas. The study explored a descriptive account to understand diabetes, the possibility of the disease developing, and lack of diabetes management among Hispanic Americans at the United States-Mexico border in south Texas. The study focused on recruiting 50 Hispanic American adults who have diabetes in nursing homes and doctor's office in Hidalgo County, Texas. The goal includes identifying common areas of cultural barriers influencing diabetes management. These barriers include language problems, family ties, keeping good and healthy diet, lifestyles, lack of education, socioeconomic issues, poor awareness, and poverty. The study used instruments including demographic questionnaire and open-ended face-to-face interview questions to collect data. The interview guide based on questions from these instruments explored cultural barriers. These barriers make it difficult for people of this ethnic background to see diabetes as a disease they can manage. This ethnographic study identified emerging themes encouraging awareness and change in the way Hispanic Americans in Hidalgo County in rural south Texas view diabetes. Future studies might involve using mixed or quantitative studies to validate findings of this study and provide a broader perspective on cultural barriers influencing the management of diabetes in minority populations.