A Culturally Sensitive Diabetes Peer Support for Older Mexican-Americans

The purpose of this study was to determine if a peer‐led diabetes support group intervention could improve adherence to recommendations for self‐management in 42 Mexican‐American elders with type 2 diabetes. This mixed‐method pilot study occurred at a community‐based diabetes education centre in Texas. The 10‐week intervention programme was compared to usual care on five self‐reported questionnaires and blood tests during four collection periods. Participants displayed statistically significant improvements in blood sugar, self‐efficacy, transformational change and personal resources. Qualitative themes were derived from 30 focus group meetings, which were as follows: do not trust the system, choice + control = power and the social cost of diabetes. The results suggested a consultation role for occupational therapists in training peer leaders to learn to lead and manage community‐based diabetes self‐management programmes. Limitations were the sample size of the convenience sample, and the lack of qualitative analysis of the control group discussions. Future research should involve a study of expanded community‐based social networks using experimental design. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.