The Experiences of Older Italian Migrants With Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: Older Italian migrants in Australia are a vulnerable group, with high rates of type 2 diabetes and low levels of English language proficiency. The project explored the experience of living with diabetes and factors that facilitated or inhibited access to diabetes services.

Method: Focus groups were conducted in Italian with 13 participants with type 2 diabetes, aged 68 to 85 years.

Results: Findings indicate five main themes, including (a) the value of health, (b) the impact of diabetes, (c) making changes, (d) managing diabetes, and (e) access to information and services.

Conclusion: The social context of food, presented the greatest impediment to successful diabetes self-management for this group of older Italian migrants. Participants identified a need for greater community engagement and education.

Implications for practice: A need for greater access to interpreters and information in Italian was identified. Counselling services may be necessary for this group.

Keywords: Italian; diabetes; migrants; older.