Diabetes self-management: perspectives of Latino patients and their health care providers

{{\textless}AbstractText} {Label="UNLABELLED"{\textgreater}Lifestyle} modification programs tailored to experience, culture, psychosocial characteristics, and world-view can improve knowledge, self-care behaviors, and glucose control among Latinos with diabetes. Few data exist, however, on improving diabetes self-management among Latinos. In addition, views and practices of practitioners caring for these patients have received little {attention.{\textless}/AbstractText{\textgreater}} {{\textless}AbstractText} {Label="OBJECTIVE"} {NlmCategory="OBJECTIVE"{\textgreater}This} study describes findings from qualitative research to inform the refinement of self-management interventions tailored to Latino patients with type 2 {diabetes.{\textless}/AbstractText{\textgreater}} {{\textless}AbstractText} {Label="METHODS"} {NlmCategory="METHODS"{\textgreater}Two} practitioner focus groups assessed perceptions of patients' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Four patient focus groups examined knowledge, beliefs, practices, barriers, and facilitators. Data were transcribed and subjected to content {analysis.{\textless}/AbstractText{\textgreater}} {{\textless}AbstractText} {Label="RESULTS"} {NlmCategory="RESULTS"{\textgreater}Thirty-seven} patients seeking care at a community clinic participated, along with 15 health care practitioners. Important knowledge gaps regarding diabetes causation and self-management were identified. Negative attitudes towards self-management were common among patients. Key facilitators included strong religious faith and support of medical practitioners. Families both facilitated and prevented adoption of self-management {practices.{\textless}/AbstractText{\textgreater}} {{\textless}AbstractText} {Label="CONCLUSION"} {NlmCategory="CONCLUSIONS"{\textgreater}This} study provides unique insights into the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers facing Latino patients and their providers regarding diabetes {self-management.{\textless}/AbstractText{\textgreater}} {{\textless}AbstractText} {Label="PRACTICE} {IMPLICATIONS"} {NlmCategory="CONCLUSIONS"{\textgreater}Study} findings underscore the need to develop tailored programs for this population and to train practitioners on their {implementation.{\textless}/AbstractText{\textgreater}}