US Healthcare Experiences of Hispanic Patients with Diabetes and Family Members: A Qualitative Analysis.

Hispanics in the United States experience significant health disparities. Using focus groups conducted in Spanish, we explored the perspectives of 172 Hispanic adults regarding their healthcare experiences. Many participants were women (64.5%) and primarily from Mexico (80%). Four major qualitative themes emerged: (a) provide us with information, (b) want attentive and respectful relationships, (c) want better care, and (d) perceived discrimination. Suboptimal patient-provider interactions were described. Research is needed to explore interventions that address these issues. Incorporating person-centered care principles and practices such as clear and understandable communication, culturally competent care, and customer service skills may benefit provider interactions with Hispanics.

Improving Physical Activity in Hispanics with Diabetes and their Families.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined changes in physical activity among Hispanics with diabetes and their families who received an 8-week diabetes self-management intervention. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct a secondary analysis of physical activity data from two intervention studies that used the same protocols and measures. SAMPLE: A total of 65 patients and 66 family members participated in the studies. MEASURES: Physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and pedometers. Self-report of physical activity was collected pre- and postintervention, and pedometer data for the 8 weeks of the intervention period. INTERVENTION: The interventions consisted of 8 weeks of educational sessions. RESULTS: IPAQ walking Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-minutes per week significantly increased for patients (p < .001) and family members (p < .001) from pre- to postintervention as did moderate activity MET-minutes/week for family members (p = .004). Based on pedometer steps, the percentage of sedentary patients declined from 38% to 17% over the intervention record; differences in pedometer steps over time were not significant for patients (p = .803) or family members (p = .144). CONCLUSIONS: Pedometers are a cost effective and user-friendly method of measuring physical activity. Pedometers can also serve as a motivator to help increase physical activity among Hispanics with diabetes and their family members.