Lay beliefs and the management of disease amongst West Indians with diabetes.

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study into lay beliefs and management of the chronic disease diabetes mellitus as well as the service use experiences of West Indians with the disease. In the United Kingdom, there is a higher prevalence of diabetes and higher mortality rates from this disease amongst West Indians when compared with their white counterparts. The project fieldwork was conducted in four sites; in general practice and out-patient diabetic clinics in London and Cambridge. In-depth interviews were held with 12 Caucasian and 12 West Indian diabetic patients and key informant interviews were held with a total of 13 health professionals on the diabetic care team. The study showed important differences between West Indians and Caucasians regarding knowledge and beliefs about diabetes as well its management. With the exception of two Pentecostal Christian women in the West Indian subsample, there was no evidence that these beliefs or practices conflicted with medical advice. However, the West Indian interviewees stated that the dietary advice provided did not take into account their traditional foods or cooking methods and as a result they experienced difficulties in following this advice. West Indians also expressed a general distrust of doctors and the majority had developed a range of strategies which they used to negotiate consultations with doctors and the heath service.