Perceptions of Diabetes Symptoms and Self-Management Strategies: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to compare and contrast perceived symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus and self-management strategies between Russian-speaking Slavic immigrant American women and non-Hispanic, nonimmigrant White American women. Methods: The qualitative-descriptive study design was conducted with a convenience sample of Slavic immigrant women 50 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes (n = 10), and non-Hispanic, nonimmigrant White American women 50 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes (n = 10). Results: Slavic immigrants reported more global holistic symptoms of diabetes, whereas nonimmigrants reported more specific physiological somatic symptoms. The nonimmigrant women used more complex diabetes self-management techniques compared with the Slavic group. A lack of education and awareness of hypoglycemia may contribute to less medication adherence in Slavic immigrants and may prevent them from being motivated to participate in diabetes self-management. Discussion and Conclusions: Health care providers caring for Slavic immigrant women with diabetes need to be aware that these women may fail to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and seldom acknowledge depression, although depressive symptoms are often present. Culturally congruent health care will increase adherence and improve health outcomes for Slavic immigrant women.