Culture counts: why current treatment models fail Hispanic women with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate whether current treatment models adequately address the cultural factors involved in treatment adherence in Hispanic females with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A review of relevant professional literature was conducted.

Results: Established health behavior models do not adequately address the unique needs of the female Hispanic population, especially those older women who hold traditional religious and cultural beliefs.

Conclusions: To decrease the devastating effects of Type 2 diabetes among Hispanic women, interventions must be based on a comprehensive, culturally sensitive model that works with cultural values, not against them.