Culturally Tailored Diabetes Education on Self-Management of Adult Hispanic Males With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global public health concern. In the United States, adult Hispanic males are particularly vulnerable to type 2 diabetes mellitus and are more likely to develop complications and subsequently die from it, compared to non-Hispanic White males. Evidence suggests good self-management behaviors can potentially prevent disease-related complications and improve clinical outcomes. The American Diabetes Association and Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists have endorsed diabetes self-management education as a necessary component of care for all individuals living with the disease. However, adult Hispanic males with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S., especially those who are underserved, typically lack access to formal diabetes self-management education (DSME). Further, the majority have never participated in such educational activities. A large body of evidence suggests DSME can effectively improve self-management behaviors in diverse populations around the globe. The purpose of the proposed study is to examine the effect of culturally tailored diabetes education on self-management behaviors of adult Hispanic males, aged 18-64 years, with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S. This study can shed more light on the effectiveness of community-based, culturally tailored diabetes educational activities in this vulnerable population and guide future efforts towards enhancing self-management.