Aim: Individual experiences shape perceptions of illness. Post-Soviet migrants have different expectations of chronic disease treatment than German patients. This study aimed to delve into perceptions of diabetes mellitus, a topic of increasing importance in global migration. Design: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 post-Soviet migrants with diabetes and three Russian-speaking diabetes counselors, mainly recruited through a snowball system. Methods: The research data were analyzed using a hermeneutic approach. The categories of the common-sense self-regulation model and developed subcategories were scrutinized by means of content analysis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the data. Results: The perception of diabetes mellitus varied depending on the country where the diagnosis was made. This included the individual recording of symptoms, the expected time course, and the allocation of different competencies. Opportunities for access to the local healthcare system in the former Soviet Union influenced these expectations. Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the importance of healthcare access in the country of origin and the patient's knowledge of diabetes mellitus in shaping their perception and treatment. These factors, influenced by the social environment and the patient's level of education, continue to play a role even after immigration to Germany.
- MeSH
- diabetes mellitus 2. typu * psychologie MeSH
- emigranti a imigranti * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- komunikace MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- odborná způsobilost MeSH
- percepce MeSH
- poskytování zdravotní péče MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- rozhovory jako téma MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- sociální prostředí MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Německo MeSH
Aim:The purpose of this study was to explore data concerning subjective theories, personal resources, and recommendations for counseling changes in people with diabetes mellitus from different Russian-speaking nationalities. Russian-speaking immigrants and Russian Germans may require a different type of diabetes education to native inhabitants.Design:A literature review of subjective theories of illness, personal resources, and recommendations for counseling was conducted.Methods: Literature published since 2009 was searched, including qualitative and quantitative studies. Data were found for Jewish and Russian-speakingimmigrants with diabetes mellitus, but not for Russian Germans. The scope of the search was, therefore, widened. Literature on general loci of control, health beliefs, and diabetes education was included.Results:Seventeen articles were identified. These studies discussed health beliefs and behaviors, including externalized attribution of causes, and internalized locus of control. Homeopathic and natural therapies were generally preferred over other medications. However, socioeconomic status, level of education, and external circumstances in the country of origin were more important than differentiationby nationality.Conclusion:Therapists require knowledge of the living conditions in immigrants’ country of origin to inform their provision of medical advice. Immigrants’ general level of education, socioeconomic status, and previous living conditions are also important.
