Challenges of managing diabetes in Asians

Journal of Diabetes Nursing,  Feb, 2004  by Kirpal Marwa,  Shanaz Mughal,  Harbinder Sunsoa,  Roytun Bibi

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* The language level used was inappropriate, too clinical and did not reflect the everyday language spoken by the majority of the Asian community in the UK.

* The literature was not always available in all of the major Asian languages (Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Bengali).

* Not enough information was available in different formats (visual or audio) for people unable to read or write their own mother tongue.

* Leaflets were often either photocopied, hand written and lacked entertainment value.

Aims of FAD

The aims of the group are:

* To provide an advisory and consultative role to improve the knowledge, understanding and management of diabetes in the South Asian population.

[FIGURE 2 OMITTED]

* To provide the most appropriate, effective and culturally sensitive educational material to reinforce and support healthcare professionals when delivering diabetes education.

The FAD group members have similarities. They are all Asian and work in the field of diabetes. But what makes them unique and successful in their initiatives is the fact that they all bring different cultural, religious and language skills as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience of working with Asian people with diabetes and their families.

FAD has worked with LifeScan and Diabetes UK in an advisory capacity to produce some excellent materials, including multilingual videos and supportive literature.

The group have been responsible for writing the script of two videos: Dispelling the myths of diabetes within the Asian community (Punjabi version) and Understanding and managing diabetes with the Asian community (in English and five Asian languages as well as awaiting translation into Mirpuri). FAD were also present during filming and editing of the videos (see Figure 2). These have been well received by patients, their carers and healthcare professionals in the west Midlands. All members are in positions where they can empower other healthcare professionals working in the field of diabetes.

Time constraints

Projects can take years to complete and many hurdles need to be overcome. The FAD group members are all DSNs who have heavy workloads and family commitments. There is a need for dedication and committment; much of the work is done outside of work time. In order to receive funding, credibility and worth needed to be approved before companies will sponsor the projects. Initiatives to date can be seen in Figure 3.

Conclusion

Informal evaluation of the educational material produced in association with FAD has been positive. Appropriate language was used and the videos were culturally sensitive and realistic; patients were able to identify with the characters. The educational material is used during one to one consultations, group sessions and in waiting rooms. It is also used in health promotion events to raise awareness of diabetes within the south Asian community. These educational resources allow healthcare professionals an alternative approach when helping south Asian patients with diabetes to accept and manage their diabetes. Communication between healthcare professionals and Asian people with diabetes and their families is facilitated.