scholarly journals Experiences With Stress Among African American Men Living With Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Inquiry

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 237796081987180
Author(s):  
Ledric D. Sherman ◽  
DeLawnia Comer-Hagans ◽  
Anthony J. Pattin

Self-managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) is critical but often presents a challenge among African American men. Stress may exacerbate both mental and physical problems, which can lead to poor self-management; however, the evidence is sparse. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine the relationship the role of stress in type 2 diabetes management among a prospective group of African American men living in the southern United States. Nineteen African American men with T2D were recruited from barbershops and churches. Interviews were conducted using a semi structured interview guide. Transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological approach and focused on identifying common themes describing the responses regarding any stress that the participants have pertaining to living with and managing T2D. The themes that emerged from the participant responses are: (a) experiencing less stress, (b) stress not attributed from diabetes, (c) avoid thinking about stress, and (d) some stress is prevalent. Overall, participants expressed either that diabetes was not attributing to the stress that they have or that they have less stress than they did prior to being diagnosed with T2D. In this sample of African American men, stress became a factor for some participants when considering the complications that can occur from diabetes. These findings suggest the need for key considerations to only incorporate general information about diabetes and stress management, but should be gender and culturally relevant to African American men.

2015 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. 026-032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ledric Sherman

Abstract Purpose: To explore and understand how the church, faith, and spirituality plays a role in type 2 diabetes management among African-American men (AA men). Materials and Methods: Participants (n = 19) were AA men ages 35-69 years, who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants were recruited via community outreach efforts, including barbershops and churches located in predominantly African-American communities in southeast US. Upon the consent, individual interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological approach, and focused on identifying common themes among the descriptions of AA men′s experiences specific to type 2 diabetes. Results: Overall the participants from the present study stated that their faith in God as well as attending church does help them in their daily diabetes management. Interestingly, 2 of the 19 participants chose not to answer the faith and spirituality questions and 1 of the 19 stated that his faith was nonexistent. Conclusions: Diabetes self-management may be facilitated by incorporating the spiritual beliefs and virtues of AA men living with the illness. Little is still known, in general, about the process of how spirituality affects self-management of chronic illness. Further research should also focus on faith-based diabetes education among diabetics of all ethnic backgrounds.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 779-787
Author(s):  
Ledric D. Sherman ◽  
Taliat Fawole

To gain better insight to the preferred methods of managing and treating type 2 diabetes among African American men (AA men). Participants ( n = 19) were AA men aged 35 to 69 years, who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants were recruited via community outreach efforts, including barbershops and churches located in predominantly African American communities in Southeast United States. On consent, individual interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and subsequently transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological approach, and focused on identifying common themes among the descriptions of AA men’s experiences specific to type 2 diabetes. Participants’ statements indicated three main commonalities regarding treatment preferences which were medication, dietary changes, and increase in exercise. Some participants from the study stated that they preferred taking oral medication primarily out of convenience, lack of pain, and how well the medicine makes them feel. Others stated educating themselves and having a consistent relationship with the diabetes physician has assisted them the most. Other participants shared preferences of being dedicated to proper diet and exercise without any medication (pill or injection), as well as maintaining the mental motivation needed to sustain management. Some participants preferred to not take an oral pill, while some did not mind taking pills at all. For some of the participants, it appears that it is easier for them to manage their diabetes by prescription medication than by lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Future studies are needed to investigate how social support system also assists these men in managing their diabetes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. 102-114
Author(s):  
Ledric Sherman ◽  
E. McKyer

Abstract Background: African-American Men experience higher rates of serious complications of diabetes, due in part to poor disease management. Yet it is unclear to what extent research been devoted to type 2 diabetes management in this population. Purpose: A need exists to clarify the extant literature on self-care management (SCM) practices of African-American Men with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature and methodological quality scoring (MQS) using the Garrard matrix method was performed. Low scores (0-1) indicate low representation of African-American men; highest score (3) indicate high inclusion of African-American men in the samples. The search targeted articles focused on type 2 diabetes self-care management, and which included samples of African-American Men. Each publication was reviewed and assigned a MQS by the researchers, who reached 100% concordance with the MQS. Results: Initial screening yielded 122 articles, but only 41 met full study inclusion criteria. These studies represent a combined sample size of 9,171 participants of which less than one-third (3,007; 32.8%) were clearly identifiable as African-American men. Only 7 studies had samples consisting 100% of African-American Men. Mixed methods approaches were used least (n = 9 studies), followed by quantitative approaches (n = 15 studies). Qualitative approaches was most commonly used (n = 17 studies). Most (n = 24) studies scored low (0 to 1 score), indicating low-level of inclusion of African-American Men in their sample. Discussion: In spite of the growing body of literature on managing type 2 diabetes, there is a paucity of information focused on a high-need and high-risk group - African-American Men. The exclusion of this population can result in adverse health consequences, given the high comorbidities associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Conclusion: Including more African-American Men in self-care management studies can help determine the factors affecting research participation among this group as well as to further understand the complexity that these men face regarding managing their diabetes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 096-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ledric Sherman ◽  
E. McKyer ◽  
John Singer ◽  
Alvin Larke ◽  
Jeffrey Guidry

AbstractPurpose: To explore, understand and describe the lived experience of African-American men (AA men) living with type 2 diabetes, with emphasis on capturing perceptions of challenges, facilitators and perceived barriers associated with self-care management. Materials and Methods: Participants (n = 19) were AA men ages 35-69 years, who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants were recruited via community outreach efforts, including barbershops and churches located in predominantly African-American communities in southeast US. Upon consent, individual interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological approach, and focused on identifying common themes among the descriptions of AA men′s experiences specific to type 2 diabetes. Results: AA men perceived their experience of managing type 2 diabetes as tedious, complicated, demanding, and frustrating. Common themes included the perception of family histories and personal behaviors as causes or contributors to the development of diabetes, albeit there was lack of clarity regarding biological versus behavioral familial contributions. Other theses included fears related to long-term complications of type 2 diabetes, and the critical role of social support as a factor assisting with self-care management. Limb amputation, insulin injections and vision changes were fears related to having type 2 diabetes. Commensurately, important referent others (e.g., family and close friends) provided critical encouragement and support toward managing their diabetes. Conclusions: Future diabetes research and education should give attention to how masculinity may have a powerful influence on diabetes management behavior among African-American men′s as well as utilizing preventive health services.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Anthony Q. Walker ◽  
Christine E. Blake ◽  
Justin B. Moore ◽  
Sara Wilcox ◽  
Kelli DuBois ◽  
...  

2000 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 796-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas C. Keyserllng ◽  
Alice S. Ammerman ◽  
Carmen D. Samuel-Hodge ◽  
Allyson F. Ingram ◽  
Anne H. Skelly ◽  
...  

PURPOSE this paper describes a clinic and community-based diabetes intervention program designed to improve dietary, physical activity, and self-care behaviors of older African American women with type 2 diabetes. It also describes the study to evaluate this program and baseline characteristics of participants. METHODS The New Leaf... Choices for Healthy Living With Diabetes program consists of 4 clinic-based health counselor visits, a community intervention with 12 monthly phone calls from peer counselors, and 3 group sessions. A randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention is described. RESULTS Seventeen focus groups of African American women were used to assessed the cultural relevance/acceptability of the intervention and measurement instruments. For the randomized trial, 200 African American women with type 2 diabetes were recruited from 7 practices in central North Carolina. Mean age was 59, mean diabetes duration was 10 years, and participants were markedly overweight and physically inactive. CONCLUSIONS Participants found this program to be culturally relevant and acceptable. Its effects on diet, physical activity, and self-care behaviors will be assessed in a randomized trial.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Lynn Salazar-Collier ◽  
Belinda M. Reininger ◽  
Anna V. Wilkinson ◽  
Steven H. Kelder

Objectives: Purpose of study is to explore the roles religiosity and fatalistic beliefs play in diabetes management among newly, currently, and long-term enrolled Mexican-American participants in a Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) chronic care management program.Methods: In 2017, study participants (n = 15) completed a semi-structured interview in their preferred language (English or Spanish). Sample was stratified by amount of time individual had been enrolled as a participant of the Salud y Vida program: newly, currently, or long-term. Interviews assessed religious beliefs, beliefs concerning the cause(s) of diabetes, perceived relationship between religiosity and fatalistic beliefs with T2DM management, and the appropriateness of discussing such topics with a health professional. Interview responses were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8.Results: Themes identified included: perceived autonomy over diabetes prognosis, motivators for self-care, discussions of personal beliefs in the healthcare setting, and the church's role in diabetes management.Conclusions: Among this sample, religiosity and religious fatalism played a complex role in coping with and managing diabetes. Long-term enrolled and male participants expressed beliefs of divine control over health, and a connection between religiosity and health behavior. Long-term enrolled participants felt religious and fatalistic beliefs may be suitable and beneficial to discuss in the healthcare setting.


2016 ◽  
Vol 04 (02) ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
Ledric Sherman

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent and quality of theory and theoretical construct utilization among published empirical studies specific to self-care management research involving African-American men living with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Systematic literature review for peer-reviewed articles was performed. Articles with barriers, facilitators, masculinity, social support, mistrust, behaviors and decision making among this specific group were sought out. Results: Some studies mentioned a specific theoretical framework or model. However, 35 out of fifty studies did not report any use of theoretical framework or model. Conclusions: This paucity of theory utilization points to a breach in the quality of both qualitative and quantitative research in this area with is particular population of men. Researchers either failed to sufficiently use theory or did so but failed to specify how.


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