Support and education of immigrants with chronically ill children: Identified needs from a case study of Turkish and Kurdish families

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to analyse how parents of Turkish and Turkish/Kurdish children with diabetes and health care professionals perceived the education and support provided, and to assess what was required to improve the collaboration between the families and the team in order to optimize selfcare and metabolic control.

Design A case study including semi-structured interviews, participant observation and information from medical records.

Setting The study was carried out in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Method The study included 11 children aged 4—17 years of Turkish and Kurdish origin, their parents, the Turkish interpreter and the paediatric diabetes team.

Results The study identified the following factors that might contribute to improve the outcome: 1) Adjusted educational initiatives to promote a better understanding of concepts like chronic disease and selfcare, and to ensure that the content of the education is understood, implemented and maintained; 2) special support to enable parents to deal with practical and emotional problems and conflicts related to diabetes management; 3) closer contact and psychosocial support in order to promote learning and motivation for selfcare as well as promoting attendance at the clinics.

Conclusion Non-western immigrants have a considerable need for special support to help them learn to manage a chronic disease. Health education should aim at bridging the gap between differences related to culture and traditions.

Keywords

case study chronically ill children education immigrants support

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