Living with Diabetes in a Historically Black Community: Insights from Residents

Abstract

Objective: This research report shares insights gained from residents in a historically black community in Florida concerning their experiences living with diabetes.

Methods: The findings in this research report draw from three focus groups undertaken to gather patient perspectives on potential causes and mechanisms related to a community setting with higher than national average levels of diabetes (both in relation to the broader population and Black Americans specifically) as part of an applied project geared toward establishing potential interventions that could benefit the community.

Results: Participants in the focus groups discussed (1) positive efforts to improve diet; (2) less successful efforts to increase exercise levels, and (3) marked differences in experiences with medical professionals and access to quality medical care.

Conclusions: These findings illustrate difficulties patients experience seeking to manage diabetes in relation to structural (i.e., racial, healthcare access, and economic) and interpersonal (i.e., medical professionals) barriers to quality care.