Qualitiative Analysis on Diabetes Research Paper

Qualitiative Analysis on Diabetes - Research Paper Example The findings of the study show that communication and education combined with cultural differences create a difficult environment in which to treat diabetes in regards to this ethnic minority group. The results suggest that more time needs to be taken by doctors and dieticians to explain the causes and effects of the disease and how best to treat it with an understanding of the social and dietary differences of the community. Information needs to be available to patients and family members in a language they understand and in relation to the activities of their daily lives. There are many different ethnic minority groups in large communities that frequently accept immigrants and this is just a sample of how one such group can suffer emotionally and physically because treatment options are catered to a majority lifestyle. Only when doctors, educators, and the public make a point to diagnose, treat, and teach about diseases in a context familiar to the daily lives of those suffering fr om them will, no matter how small the group, they be able to work in conjunction with their patients. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the role of diabetes mellitus in the Lebanese community of Sydney, Australia. Methods This is a primary data analysis of a survey of twenty-five Lebanese individuals living in Sydney, Australia. ... agnoses, how the diagnosis was made, major physical and emotional effects on health, communication between health care provider and patient, major difficulties regarding the disease, and quality of life. Conclusions The results of this study provide a unique perspective into the Lebanese community and the affect of social and cultural differences of immigrants and their experiences with diabetes. Lebanese immigrants in Australia often are not diagnosed with diabetes until middle age. They find it difficult to adjust their previous living habits to what they see as Western ideas. Communication about the disease is difficult because many immigrants do not speak the native English language. Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. There are multiple types of diabetes, the most common being Type 2. Type 2 diabetes most often develops in adults but can occur in younger people as well. The person’s pancreas does not secrete enough insul in to maintain normal levels of glucose and his or her body can begin to respond poorly to insulin. With obesity numbers rising and people exercising less and less, Type 2 diabetes is seen at a growing rate and many of the people diagnosed are completely unaware that they were affected. The increasing cases of diabetes amongst Lebanese people are also a cause of worry. Sydney is host to a large number of Lebanese people, migrated to the country, hence the city, in search of better job opportunities living standards. There are many studies indicating increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus in these families. These have been ascribed to hereditary factors, food habits, prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and increased consanguinity over many generations (Abou-Daoud, 1969). Acculturation is a