Developing a family-based diabetes program for Latino immigrants: Do men and women face the same barriers?

This study examined barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management among Latino immigrants with diabetes and whether similarities and differences were observed by gender. Eight focus groups were conducted with 24 women and 21 men Latinos; four focus groups involved women only and four involved men only. Themes were identified using a combined deductive/inductive approach and an iterative process of consensus coding. Gender similarities and differences emerged. Barriers to self-management were primarily social for the women, whereas for men, structural aspects related to work were prominent. Interventions aimed at improving diabetes self-management among US Latino immigrants should consider tailored approaches to help men and women overcome distinct barriers.