Eunjae Sung, DNP, NP

Abstract:

Background: Diabetes is a leading cause of morbidity among older populations, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disproportionately affecting minority communities, including Korean immigrants. Cultural and language barriers often hinder effective diabetes management in these populations. Objectives: This project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally tailored dietary education program in improving glycemic control scales and self-care behaviors among older Korean immigrants with poorly controlled T2DM. Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted with older Korean immigrant patients at a primary care clinic. Participants received individualized dietary education using culturally relevant materials, supported by one-on-one consultations and three-monthly follow-up calls. HbA1c levels were measured on the day of the intervention and 3 months postintervention. Self-care behaviors were assessed using the Self-Care of Diabetes Inventory (SCODI), with preintervention and 3 months postintervention scores analyzed. Results: A total of 10 out of 16 participants completed the study. A statistically significant reduction in HbA1c levels was observed from preintervention (M = 8.67%, SD = 1.08) to postintervention (M = 7.62%, SD = 0.53), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.94; p = .0002). Additionally, SCODI scores showed significant improvements in all domains, with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 4.93; p < 0.001). Participants demonstrated enhanced self-care knowledge, confidence, and adherence to dietary recommendations. Conclusions: The culturally tailored dietary education program effectively improved glycemic control measures and self-care behaviors among older Korean immigrants with T2DM. These findings support the integration of culturally sensitive approaches in chronic disease management for minority populations and a replication study with a larger, independent sample is needed.

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