Beliefs of type 2 diabetics of African descent influencing management

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    What are the beliefs and attitudes of type 2 diabetics of African descent that influence the management of their condition?

  • IRAS ID

    220757

  • Contact name

    Richard Meakin

  • Contact email

    r.meakin@ucl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University College London

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    Z6364106/2016/12/29, UCL Data Protection Registration Number

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 3 months, 18 days

  • Research summary

    Diabetes mellitus is an extremely common chronic disease that causes death within the UK. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) forms roughly 90% of total diabetes cases, known to be caused by a variety of lifestyle and genetic factors. Ethnicity is a known risk factor of T2DM, whereby people of African, Caribbean, South Asian or Chinese origin have an increased risk of developing T2DM. People of ethnic minority are also at greater risk of developing diabetes-related complications, though reasons for this are not well understood. Although genetics may be a determining factor in the likelihood of developing further complications in relation to diabetes, ability to self-manage the condition is likely to play a huge role also. Whilst it is known that people of African descent struggle with diabetes control, there have been very few studies carried out to explore the reasons for this.

    The aim of this study will be to explore the beliefs and views held by type 2 diabetic patients of African descent, and consider how this may influence the management of their condition.

    10-15 participants will be recruited from a general practice in Haringey CCG (Tynemouth Medical Practice). This study will use qualitative methodology and will involve carrying out semi-structured interviews to explore the beliefs held by diabetic patients of African descent in great depth. As data is collected, it will be analysed using thematic analysis to examine the themes occurring within the data.

    The results of this investigation should be hopefully be used as driving force to generate more research into this particular area of study. It may also be used to inform current healthcare professionals about what may influence a patient’s ability to self-manage their diabetes (primarily those of African descent), thus leading to the development of services provided to these groups of people in particular.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/NW/0128

  • Date of REC Opinion

    3 Mar 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion