Accommodating Type 2 Diabetes in the Chinese American Family

Abstract

In this interpretive study, the authors aimed to describe family responses to type 2 diabetes in Chinese Americans as reported by persons with diabetes (PWD) and spouses. Twenty participants representing 16 families completed multiple group interviews. The authors elicited positive and difficult diabetes care narratives and conducted narrative and thematic analysis of transcribed interview texts. Accommodation, the key family response, comprised the enactment of social concerns and practices to balance quality of life for individuals and families with quality of diabetes care. PWDs’ accommodation included negotiating disease disclosure, protecting the family’s meals, and maintaining ease in family relations despite diabetes symptoms. Accommodation by family members included developing shared diabetes care practices and indirect approaches to disagreements about diabetes management.