Explanatory models of diabetes among Asian and Caucasian participants

Difference in explanatory models (EMs) between the person and the healthcare professional has been suggested as one reason for non-adherence to a recommended treatment regimen. The aim of this study was to explore the EMsof diabetes by a group of Asian and Caucasian participants. A total of 25 Asians and 24 Caucasians were recruited from a local diabetic clinic and subsequently interviewed about their personal EMs of diabetes. Responses to the tape-recorded semistructured interview questions about the perceived cause, time and mode of symptom onset, pathophysiology, course of illness and treatment were analysed and categories of response established and compared across the two groups. Although the results indicated some similarities of EMs of diabetes between the groups, certain differences were identified. It is suggested that nurses who include EMs in their care planning are more likely to enhance adherence among people with diabetes