Diabetes Cultural Health Beliefs and Practices in Asian Americans by Subgroups: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Asian Americans have higher rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with non-Hispanic Whites, reflecting a health disparity influenced by diverse cultural health beliefs and practices. Data have aggregated Asian Americans into a single group, overlooking differences in tradition, religion, and migration history. Disaggregating data is critical for developing culturally appropriate interventions, as strategies effective for one subgroup may not yield the same results for another.

METHODS

A literature review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted for studies on Asian American subgroups with T2DM, published between 1994-2024. The Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation guided data extraction.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria. Key themes included family support, dietary challenges, and reliance on traditional medicine. Subgroup-specific differences emerged in beliefs about disease cause, severity, and management.

CONCLUSIONS

Cultural beliefs significantly influence illness representation and diabetes self-management among subgroups. Tailoring interventions to these beliefs can improve care effectiveness and equity.