Knowledge and beliefs regarding type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural Mexico

Authors: Valenzuela G.A.; Mata J.E.; Mata A.S.; Gabali C.; Gaona E.; Thom D.; LeBaron S.

Source: Ethnicity and Health, Volume 8, Number 4, Number 4/November 2003 , pp. 353-360(8)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Ojective. To investigate adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in a rural area of Mexico in order to explore their knowledge and beliefs regarding diabetes.

Design. A pilot study was conducted in a rural town in Morelos, Mexico. Adults over the age of 40 were invited to participate in a screening program for DM, and those who had been previously diagnosed with Type 2 DM were invited for an interview to learn about their knowledge and beliefs regarding diabetes.

Results. The glucose screening project enrolled 521 participants, including 56 previ ously diagnosed with Type 2 DM. Interviews were conducted with 37 of those with previously diagnosed DM. Almost all individuals in the interview sample held causal explanations based on non-scientific beliefs. Home remedies were used by a majority, and most informants used one or more methods. Blood glucose monitoring was virtually non-existent. The most frequently reported source of social support was family members. Physicians appeared to be a less important source of support.

Conclusion. Most respondents would like to improve management of their DM, and they try to do so with whatever resources they can afford; however, a lack of information and restricted economic resources appear to limit the availability of modern medical resources. Without the availability of glucose monitoring/screening programs and affordable medication, it appears unlikely that improved treatment of Type 2 DM will occur. Dietary changes and other management approaches may be best modified through family and community influence, instead of the individual lifestyle modification strategies described in the US Type 2 DM management model.

Keywords: Type 2 DM; rural Mexico; knowledge; beliefs

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1355785032000163920

Affiliations: 1: Stanford University School of Medicine, USA International Alliance in Service and Education, USA University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, USA

Publication date: 2003-11-01

Knowledge and beliefs regarding type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural Mexico

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