Health beliefs of Mexican-Americans about the causes and prevention of diabetes: An influence on the decision to seek and adhere to medical treatment

Knowledge regarding the health beliefs of Mexican Americans about diabetes and their influence in making decisions to utilize health services was lacking in the literature. Knowledge about the health beliefs of diabetes and how these influence their decision to utilize and adhere to medical treatment was needed to inform social workers and other health care professionals in the development and implementation of diabetes interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the health beliefs of Mexican Americans about the causes and prevention of diabetes and the way these cultural health beliefs influence their decision to utilize and adhere to medical treatment. The two research questions are: What is the description and meaning of the cultural health beliefs about the causes and prevention of type 2 diabetes from Spanish-speaking women of the Mexican American culture? What is the influence of the cultural health beliefs on their decision to utilize and adhere to medical treatment? This study used a qualitative ethnographic research method and a sample consisting of adult Spanish-speaking Mexican American women with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, or Spanish-speaking Mexican American women who have an acquaintance (relative or friend) who has or has had diabetes. The results from this study are expected to inform social workers and other health care professionals in the development and implementation of more culturally appropriate diabetes interventions.