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Haitian Immigrants and Type 2 Diabetes: An Integrative Review

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Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex, lifelong condition that is disproportionately prevalent among minority populations. Haitian immigrants (HIs) living in the US with T2D have unique factors that influence diagnosis, treatment, and self-management. The purpose of this integrative review was to provide a synthesis of the research on T2D in the HI population. In a systematic literature search, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three themes were identified: risk factors for less self-management and/or worse metabolic control; protective factors for better self-management and/or metabolic control; and mixed results. HIs had higher HbA1c, yet better self-management, different genetic profiles, and lower levels of vitamin D and hemoglobin concentration compared to other ethnic groups. HIs also reported better dietary quality, less healthcare utilization, and higher perceived emotional/psychological stress compared to other ethnic groups. This study has implications for practice for integrating the unique cultural factors when assessing and intervening with HIs.

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Funding

This work was supported by National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number T32NR008346.

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  1. Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, 400 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA

    Cherlie Magny-Normilus & Robin Whittemore

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  1. Cherlie Magny-Normilus
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Correspondence to Cherlie Magny-Normilus.

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Magny-Normilus, C., Whittemore, R. Haitian Immigrants and Type 2 Diabetes: An Integrative Review. J Immigrant Minority Health 22, 399–409 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-019-00914-5

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