Cultural Perspectives on Diabetes in an Appalachian Population

OBJECTIVE: To gain an understanding of cultural and socioeconomic forces that shape beliefs about diabetes and its self-management. METHODS: Thirteen focus groups were conducted in community settings in West Virginia using a semistructured interview guide. RESULTS: Diabetes is perceived as a relatively new disease. Self-management behaviors reflect a mixture of cultural beliefs and limited resources. Moral overtones stigmatize diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding patients' illness experiences from within their cultural framework is important for successful community programming regarding chronic disease management.