Knowledge Bank

Hispanics are at a greater risk for diabetes type 2 than whites. Research has been conducted on health outcomes based on family dynamics. However, a limited body of research exists on the patient's and family's perceptions of the challenges in managing diabetes type 2, specifically, examining the role of familismo on the Hispanic family's experience. In this research project, I conducted interviews of four Spanish-speaking families in four cities across Ohio and performed a content analyses to analyze the common themes. Dietary modifications were the most drastic changes for both patient and family, although the families accepted the lifestyle behavior modifications to varying degrees. Patients who adopted significantly different diets than other family members felt more isolated.