Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge, practices, facilitators and barriers of healthy eating among White, Hispanic, and Black individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
Design: A qualitative content analysis was conducted using data from four focus groups.
Setting: Participants were recruited from a hospital registry who self-reported successful dietary behaviors.
Participants: Adults with T2DM were recruited across different racial and ethnic groups, and focus groups were facilitated using a structured guide.
Main outcome measure: The main outcomes were themes from focus group comments.
Analysis: Focus group transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Data were coded then categorized thematically to identify key dietary strategies, facilitators and barriers.
Results: Twenty-five participants across racial and ethnic groups shared insights into their dietary practices. The overarching theme for diabetes diet practices and strategies was healthy eating principles in practice. Behavioral and social strategies employed varied among groups. Disparities among family units in nutrition knowledge and application were evident. Three themes for barriers to dietary adherence emerged: Influence of family and friends, emotions and temptations, and lack of culturally tailored dietary recommendations. Two themes for dietary facilitators were identified: self-management of healthy eating and social support.
Conclusions and implications: The study underscores the importance of culturally tailored and individualized dietary recommendations for effectively managing T2DM. More research is needed to address diverse racial and ethnic populations.
Keywords
Healthy eating, Strategies, Diversity, Disparity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus