Cultural issues in disease management for Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this study is to highlight culturally unique experiences and responses to type 2 diabetes among Chinese immigrant families. Patient and spouse narratives from 16 different families were elicited in a series of group interviews on this topic. Using interpretive phenomenology, 5 primary cultural considerations in diabetes management emerged from the narratives: (1) conceptualization of diabetes, illness and health, (2) significance and meaning of food, (3) perceptions of Chinese and Western medicines, (4) exercise and physical activity, and (5) effects of the disease on family dynamics. The relation of these cultural considerations to an interdependent view of the self, collectivistic social orientation, Chinese cultural beliefs and norms, and acculturation processes are discussed. Clinical recommendations for culturally appropriate disease management strategies are outlined.