Perceived Risk of Diabetes Among Vietnamese Americans With Prediabetes: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND: Vietnamese Americans have a relatively high risk of developing diabetes at younger ages, yet there are no published studies exploring their risk perceptions. OBJECTIVE: This mixed methods study describes perceived diabetes risk in the context of an underserved population. METHODS: This study was guided by the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation. Snowball sampling was used to recruit 10 Vietnamese Americans with prediabetes and achieve data saturation. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive methodologies with data transformation were used to analyze data from semistructured interviews and questionnaires to explore the dimensions of perceived diabetes risk. RESULTS: Participants were between the ages of 30 and 75 years with diversity also noted in diabetes risk factors. The 3 risk perception domains from qualitative data were risk factors, disease severity, and preventing diabetes. The main perceived diabetes risk factors were eating habits (including cultural influences), sedentary lifestyle, and family history of diabetes. Quantitative data supported qualitative findings of a low-to-moderate level of perceived diabetes risk. Despite the lower levels of perceived diabetes risk, Vietnamese Americans do believe that the severity of diabetes is a “big concern.” CONCLUSIONS: Vietnamese Americans with prediabetes have a low-to-moderate level of perceived diabetes risk. Understanding the perceived diabetes risk in this population provides a foundation for diabetes prevention interventions that consider cultural influences on diet and exercise.