Evaluation of Management Adherence in Afro-Caribbean Pediatric Patients with Diabetes

Purpose: This project was implemented to address and improve the need for management adherence among the Afro-Caribbean pediatric population with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes (T1D) and (T2D).
Background and Problem: Over the past 5 years, there has been an increased number of children diagnosed with diabetes. Particularly, one of the problems being faced by Haitians and other Afro-Caribbean patients with chronic illnesses, is poor management adherence due to lack of culturally congruent education. Additionally, the lack of education seen in patients with diabetes is correlated with difficulties to adapt and manage the condition properly.
Method: Each participant received education that was tailored to the Afro-Caribbean culture and in their preferred language. Summary of diabetes self-care Activities (SDSCA) score and time in range values were assessed pre intervention and post intervention. A paired sample t-test was conducted by this Doctor of Nursing Practice student to assess the changes from pretest to posttest. A p-value of less than 0.05 was required for statistical significance.
Results: More than 75% of the participants were educated with culturally congruent teachings that were tailored to the Afro-Caribbean culture. Improvement in SDSCA scores and TIR was also demonstrated. SDSCA p<.001 and TIR p=0.008. In addition, more than 75% of the participants demonstrated improved adherence to blood glucose monitoring consistency which was statically significant.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of this project was evaluated by the outcomes of the participants’ post intervention. Findings from this project demonstrated that providing culturally congruent education to patients was successful at improving diabetes home management.