Health Beliefs About Diabetes Among Latina Mothers Living in Mexico and the United States: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the leading cause of death in Mexico and a serious health concern among Hispanic/Latinos in the United States (US). Using the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study aims to understand the beliefs about T2DM that inform the prevention and treatment behaviors of Mexican and Hispanic/Latina mothers living in Mexico and the US. METHODS: The Holistic Obesity Prevention Study (HOPS) used purposive sampling methods to recruit low-income Mexican or Hispanic/Latino mothers in San Luis Potosí, Mexico and Illinois, US. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English (n = 1) and Spanish (n = 24) and transcribed verbatim. The HBM framework guided the examination of mothers’ perceptions about T2DM. Authors did 5 cycles of coding including initial memos, coding the quotes into the HBM framework, assigning an in vivo code followed by a process code, and lastly assigning themes and subthemes using axial coding in NVivo 12. RESULTS: Most mothers (n = 22, 88%) knew someone with T2DM. The HBM revealed the following themes: Perceived susceptibility: Mothers believed it can happen to them/anyone, and risks increased with strong emotions/a big scare, and with genetic predisposition. Perceived severity: Mothers mentioned constantly being careful (facing consequences), and difficulties of living with T2DM. Perceived benefits: Mothers recognized benefits of avoiding T2DM or controlling it, benefits from having a healthy diet, exercising, and staying in good spirits. Perceived barriers: Barriers included costs, continuing/starting exercise and dieting, not having time, and challenges modifying habits/willpower. Perceived cues to action: Cues to action were perceived from results from medical exams, and from feeling fear (from commercials, knowing people with T2DM, and having parents with T2DM). 6) Self-efficacy: Mothers shared their belief that the majority of those living with T2DM can live a healthy life by controlling their weight and exercising, watching what you eat, keeping up with their treatments/medications, and continuing to carry on. CONCLUSIONS: Latinas believe they can live a healthy life, but face barriers in preventing T2DM. Findings can inform future T2DM prevention interventions that aim to promote behavioral changes among Mexican and Hispanic/Latina mothers. FUNDING SOURCES: HOPS was supported by the USDA.