Analyzing Diabetes Care Providers’ Perspectives on Type 2 Diabetes Management Among Immigrant Women in Hamilton, Ontario: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the factors influencing diabetes management from the perspectives of Diabetes Care Providers (DCPs) practicing in Hamilton, Ontario, focusing on the relationships they have established with their patients/clients who are immigrant women.

Method: Using a qualitative content analysis approach, interviews were conducted with six DCPs who practiced in Hamilton, ON. Respondents were affiliated with either the Boris Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, or the Hamilton Family Health Team.

Results: Factors influencing diabetes self management for immigrant women as perceived by DCPs encompassed aspects related to DCPs, the immigrant women, and the healthcare system. From the insights of the DCPs, factors that impeded them from delivering effective DSM education included challenges in patient-provider communication, issues of cultural and ethnic concordance, the significance of trust in the provider, and language barriers. The factors influencing immigrant women's participation in DSM based on the insights of DCPs encompassed knowledge and awareness, language barriers, gender roles, socioeconomic considerations, acculturation, and social isolation. Factors influencing the healthcare system in providing DSM education according to DCPs involved the availability of interpretation services, deficiencies in training, a lack of diversity in clinical research and diabetes care teams, and inadequate promotion of DSM awareness.

Conclusion: Drawing from the findings, it is advisable to enhance diversity within diabetes care teams, emphasizing the inclusion of professionals from various disciplines. Increasing cultural competency in DSM guidelines and raising awareness to diabetes screening can help decrease the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes among immigrant women. Future studies focusing on the perspectives of immigrant women residing in Hamilton, ON, can offer deeper insights into this health concern.