Barriers to diabetes education in urban patients: Perceptions, patterns, and associated factors

Mary K. Rhee, Curtiss B. Cook, Imad El-Kebbi, Robert H. Lyles, Virginia G. Dunbar, Rita M. Panayioto, Kathy J. Berkowitz, Barbara Boyd, Sandra Broussard, Christopher D. George

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored patients' perceptions of barriers to diabetes education among a mostly African American population of adults with diabetes. Methods: A survey was conducted among 605 new patients attending an urban outpatient diabetes clinic. The questionnaire gathered information on issues patients believed would adversely affect their ability to learn about diabetes. The type and frequency of education barriers were evaluated, and variables associated with reporting an obstacle were analyzed. Results: Average patient age was 50 years, diabetes duration was 5.6 years, body mass index was 32 kg/m2, and hemoglobin AlC was 9.1%. The majority (56%) were women, 89% were African American, and 95% had type 2 diabetes. Most respondents (96%) had received some prior instruction in diabetes care; however, 53% anticipated future difficulties learning about diabetes. The most commonly cited concerns were poor vision (74%) and reading problems (29%). Patients with a perceived barrier to diabetes education were older (P < .001) than were persons without a barrier, and they differed in both employment and educational status (both P < .001). In adjusted analyses, older age, male gender, being disabled, and having an elementary education or less were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of having a barrier to diabetes education, whereas having a college education decreased the odds. Higher hemoglobin AlC levels also tended to be associated with a greater chance of reporting an education barrier (P = .05). Conclusions: A substantial number of persons anticipated a barrier to diabetes education. Interventions at multiple levels that address the demographic and socioeconomic obstacles to diabetes education are needed to ensure successful self-management training.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)410-417
Number of pages8
JournalDiabetes Educator
Volume31
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Health Professions (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Barriers to diabetes education in urban patients: Perceptions, patterns, and associated factors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this