Sharon A. Brown|Craig L. Hanis
Lessons Learned from 20 Years of Diabetes Self-Management Research With Mexican Americans in Starr County, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin|The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
purpose provide overview 20year research program aimed testing diabetes selfmanagement education interventions culturally tailored mexican americans residing impoverished rural community texasmexico borderthe research program involved focus group interviews obtain community input pilot testing refine instruments interventions communitybased randomized controlled trials examine intervention effects authors summarize lessons learned related 1 overall effects culturally tailored diabetes selfmanagement education 2 impact culture study design intervention development health outcomes community acceptance 3 benefits findings multiple focus groups held time community 4 personal cultural motivators behavioral change evident among study participantspostintervention reductions a1c ranged 14 17 percentage points individuals attended 50 intervention sessions achieved 6percentage point reduction a1c intervention teams included bilingual mexican american nurses dietitians promotoras recruited local community focus group interviews indicated traditional promotora model acceptable participants wanted knowledgeable health professionals perceived authority figures lead intervention sessions promotoras provided logistical support free glucometers strips family participation interpersonal dynamics within intervention groups motivated individuals make healthier lifestyle choicesculturally tailored diabetes interventions effective improving health socially disadvantaged minorities bear disproportional burden type 2 diabetes interventions costeffective