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DOI: 10.1177/0193945905280298 African American Beliefs About DiabetesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hampton University
Wake Forest University School of Medicine In this presentation, a diabetes explanatory model of rural, African American adults at high risk for diabetes is described. Kleinmans explanatory model of illness was used as the organizing framework. African American men and women (N = 42), between the ages of 18 and 51, participated. Participants described their knowledge and beliefs about diabetes, preventing diabetes, and whether diabetes could be cured or controlled. A common explanatory model of diabetes was not shared among the participants, and gender and age differences were apparent. Common themes included diabetes "running in families," "eating too much sugar," and "not taking care of yourself" as causes of diabetes. Weight and physical activity or exercise were not seen as contributing to the development of diabetes. Participants were not sure if diabetes could be prevented. These results provide information to address primary prevention of diabetes in this at-risk group.
Key Words: African American diabetes explanatory models prevention rural
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