Abstract
BackgroundVietnamese patients are disproportionately represented in type 2 diabetes mellitus statistics and also incur high rates of diabetes complications. This situation is compounded by limited access to health care. The aim of this project was to gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties Vietnamese patients experience when accessing services and managing their type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to identify factors that are important in promoting health service use.MethodsThree focus groups with 15 Vietnamese participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 60 to >70 years of age, were conducted in Vietnamese. Open-ended questions were used and focussed on experiences of living with diabetes and access to healthcare services in the Inner Northwest Melbourne region. Audio recordings were transcribed and then translated into English. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis framework.ResultsFindings indicate four main themes, which together provide some insight into the experiences of living with diabetes and accessing ongoing care and support, for elderly Vietnamese with type 2 diabetes. Themes included: (1) the value of being healthy; (2) controlling diabetes; (3) staying healthy; and (4) improving services and information access.ConclusionsParticipants in this study were encouraged to adhere to diabetes self-management principles, based largely on a fear of medical complications. Important aspects of healthcare access were identified as; being treated with respect, having their questions answered and having access to interpreters and information in Vietnamese. Attention to these details is likely to lead to improved access to healthcare services and ultimately to improve glycemic control and overall health status for this community.
Highlights
Vietnamese patients are disproportionately represented in type 2 diabetes mellitus statistics and incur high rates of diabetes complications
This paper reports on the Vietnamese focus groups, which were conducted in Vietnamese
The project has been successful in this regard and this paper reports on the findings of three focus groups conducted in Vietnamese
Summary
Vietnamese patients are disproportionately represented in type 2 diabetes mellitus statistics and incur high rates of diabetes complications. This situation is compounded by limited access to health care. Type 2 diabetes care constitutes a substantial cost for the healthcare system [1] This form of diabetes, which mostly affects older adults is linked to obesity and sedentary lifestyle. It is strongly associated with a number of serious health complications, which occur as a result of micro and macro vascular changes [1]. The prevalence of T2DM has increased dramatically in the past two
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