Towards a conceptual model of diabetes self-management among Chinese immigrants in the United States

Bin Zeng, Wenjie Sun, Rebecca A. Gary, Changwei Li, Tingting Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Chinese immigrants have been disproportionally affected by type 2 diabetes. This paper presents the state of science regarding the factors that may influence diabetes self-management among Chinese immigrants in the US and the potential health outcomes. Design: Using Walker and Avant's techniques, a search of the literature was conducted from CINAHL, PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science. Findings: Factors most relevant to diabetes self-management were grouped under five categories: socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral and psychological characteristics, social support, linguistic barriers, and cultural characteristics. Potential outcomes derived from improved diabetes self-management include quality of life, glycosylated hemoglobin, and blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Discussion: A conceptual model was provided to guide future research. Based on the review of the literature, specific research topics that need to fill the gaps in the literature were provided, including family-focused interventions for Chinese immigrant patients with diabetes and the effectiveness of these interventions to improve family functioning.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6727-6742
Number of pages16
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume11
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 27 Jun 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chinese immigrants
  • Conceptual model
  • Diabetes self-management
  • Transcultural health
  • Type 2 diabetes

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