CHSU Discovery

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent chronic condition affecting diverse populations across the Central Valley, an area known for its rich cultural diversity. Effective diabetes education is crucial for managing the disease, yet standardized educational materials often fail to address the unique cultural and linguistic needs of patients, leading to complications such as a lack of understanding and adherence to treatments. This Quality Improvement (QI) project assessed the need for culturally tailored diabetes education materials among medical staff at United Health Centers (UHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Central Valley communities. Electronic surveys were administered to 33 UHC clinics to gather insights from healthcare staff regarding diabetes education needs, barriers, and preferred formats and languages. The anonymous answers from 60 respondents were then analyzed. An educational pamphlet was also created, linking diabetes resources for Spanish, Hmong, Punjabi, and English-speaking populations. Most respondents were a part of the Health Administration team and identified as female. findings revealed that 70% of respondents considered culturally tailored diabetes education "extremely important." The most frequently cited patient concerns were related to diet and nutrition, while insurance questions were the least reported. Besides English, Spanish was the most reported language, validating its inclusion onto the pamphlet along with Hmong, Punjabi, and English. Overall, the healthcare staff at UHC clinics reported that patients would benefit from culturally tailored diabetes education. This study underscores the critical need for culturally appropriate diabetes education materials in the Central Valley. Implementing tailored resources and improving accessibility to diet and nutrition education may enhance patient understanding and health outcomes. Continued collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations is essential for addressing these educational gaps effectively.