In my role as diabetes educator, I have been called upon more frequently in the last five years than in the prior fifteen to assist Spanish speaking patients with their diabetes education. Hispanics now rank third nationally for having the highest rates of diabetes. According to the Provider's Guide to Quality and Culture, there are several beliefs and behaviors within the Spanish speaking population that should be addressed when considering diabetes education. These are the strategies that I have incorporated into my practice to ensure that I am providing education to meet their cultural believes and values:
- Education needs to occur in a group setting with all the family members that may be involved, as the needs of the family are considered as important as the needs of individual with diabetes.
- When I speak through an interpreter, I introduce myself, disclose some information about my background, and thank everyone for coming. I also make sure I know their names and their position in the family, doing all with direct eye contact, smiles and congruent body language. These actions and words display interest, concern and respect, which are highly valued among Spanish speaking cultures.
- Before determining appropriate goals or making lifestyle changes, I ask about and include the use of herbs and/or prayer in the plan of care, as many Hispanics and Latinos view these methods as a traditional source of healing and are not considered in conflict with modern medicine.
I hope to become more knowledgeable and aware of Hispanic health beliefs. Perhaps one day those within the area Hispanic population will feel free to seek out diabetes education because of the collaborative spirit that has been created.
What approaches have you tried to lend cultural competency to the education you provide? Is there an ethnic group in your community with which you have formed a relationship? I would be interested in reading of your experiences, inclusive of challenges and successes, and the ways you are growing as an educator!
References
American Diabetes Association. (2014). Statistics about diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/?loc=DropDownDB-stats
The Provider's Guide to Quality and Culture. (n.d.). Hispanics/Latinos and diabetes. Retrieved from http://erc.msh.org/provider/informatic/HL_Diabetes_Traditional.pdf