Systematic review: Perceptions of type 2 diabetes of people of African descent living in high-income countries.
Onuorah Love, Draper Peter, Santy-Tomlinson Julie
PMID 35441727WHAT IT FOUND
People of African descent often misunderstood diabetes, saw larger bodies positively, feared insulin, relied on faith, and rejected generic advice.
Nurses should ask about these beliefs before giving diet, exercise, medication advice.
Key findings
01Poor diabetes knowledge was common: some believed diabetes was curable or would disappear, and half of participants in one study did not consider it chronic.
02Weight, exercise and diet beliefs often conflicted with recommended self-care: many participants were satisfied with larger bodies, understanding of the exercise-diabetes link was limited, and dietary advice was rejected when generic or culturally unfamiliar.
03Medication and spiritual beliefs shaped acceptance: insulin was seen as a sign of worse disease, some skipped medication when blood glucose seemed normal, and fatalistic or faith-based views influenced management.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Most included studies were descriptive or exploratory, with only one randomized trial, so the review cannot show what interventions change diabetes behaviour. Most studies were conducted in the USA, so findings reflect African American experiences more than other African-descent groups. Most participants were female, and people younger than 18 were excluded. Some included studies were weak or moderate quality. The review included both people with and without diabetes, so findings may mix prevention and management perspectives. The search was limited to English-language studies and did not include grey literature.
Declared interests
No conflicts of interest were declared.