Factors affecting the disclosure of diabetes by ethnic minority patients: a qualitative study among Surinamese in the Netherlands
2011

Factors Affecting Diabetes Disclosure Among Surinamese Patients

Sample size: 32 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kohinor Mirjam JE, Stronks Karien, Haafkens Joke A

Primary Institution: Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Hypothesis

What factors influence the disclosure of diabetes among Surinamese patients in the Netherlands?

Conclusion

Cultural customs inhibit Surinamese patients from disclosing their diabetes to people outside their very close family circles.

Supporting Evidence

  • Most patients disclosed their diabetes only to very close family members.
  • Talking about disease is considered taboo in the Surinamese community.
  • Disclosure is often motivated by the need for support in diabetes self-management.

Takeaway

Many Surinamese people with diabetes don't talk about their condition because they feel it's a private matter and worry about what others might think.

Methodology

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Potential Biases

Participants may have withheld information due to the stigma associated with diabetes.

Limitations

The study focused only on first-generation Surinamese migrants and may not represent other groups.

Participant Demographics

Participants were first-generation Surinamese migrants aged 30-70, with a mix of South Asian and African descent.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-399

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