Quality of Life and-Social Environment as Reported by Chinese Immigrants With Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) has been associated with stressful events such as immigration. The purpose of this paper is to report a pilot study that tested translated and back-translated instruments to ascertain factors related to diabetes management in a group of Chinese immigrants with diabetes. The descriptive, cross- sectional design included a convenience sample of 30 Chinese immigrants who had been diagnosed with NIDDM for at least I year. Consenting participants completed paper- and-pencil questionnaires (Diabetes Family-Behavior Checklist II, Diabetes Quality of Life, and MDRTC Knowledge Test) that had been translated and back-translated into Chinese and returned them in stamped, self- addressed envelopes. Results indicated that most of the scale and subscale reliabilities were similar to those published previously. Study participants had received limited diabetes education, reported many problems managing diabetes, especially in terms of social and vocational issues, and reported dissatisfaction with their quality of life. Diabetes-related family supportive behaviors were rated positively indicating the importance of including family members in educational programs.