The Effect of Acculturation on Diabetes Knowledge Among Chinese Americans With Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the level of diabetes knowledge among Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the influence of acculturation levels on diabetes knowledge. T2DM is a significant health issue for Chinese Americans because of the unique challenges they face that reflect a complex interplay of culture, language, insufficient numbers of culturally congruent health care providers, and socioeconomic factors. Diabetes knowledge is an essential foundation for effective diabetes self-management behaviors. However, few studies have assessed Chinese Americans' level of diabetes knowledge and its relationship to acculturation.Methods A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from 110 Chinese Americans with T2DM was conducted. Descriptive analyses summarized specific knowledge deficits, and a hierarchical regression model was used to test the contribution of acculturation to the level of knowledge after controlling for demographics, diabetes duration, treatment, number of comorbidities, and diabetes numeracy.Result The average percentage of correct responses on the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire-Revised was approximately 77%. Items that were answered incorrectly the most frequently pertained to low or high blood glucose symptoms, desired A1C level, and glucose levels' relation to emotions. Diabetes numeracy and acculturation significantly predicted diabetes knowledge after controlling for demographic and health indicators.Conclusion Chinese American patients may have significant gaps in knowledge regarding diabetes and its management that correspond to lower numeracy and acculturation levels. Health care providers should reinforce diabetes education for Chinese American patients who have lower acculturation levels.