Addressing Cultural Gaps in Diabetes Prevention and Self-Management

Vietnamese American adults at risk for diabetes may feel motivated to change diet and activity habits yet report low readiness to enroll in formal prevention and management programs.

A qualitative study of Vietnamese American adults on readiness for DPP/DSMES examined how cultural framing, access friction, and family dynamics shape willingness to participate in a structured, CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services.

Symptom-triggered decision making can keep prevention programs off the table until an A1C “wake-up” moment or complications create urgency, even when day-to-day lifestyle motivation is already present.

Many participants fell into precontemplation or contemplation for program enrollment while describing crisis-oriented care-seeking and reluctance to be identified as someone who needs “classes” or diabetes-related help. Clinically, this may show up as low perceived need when asymptomatic, discomfort discussing diabetes risk, or a preference to self-manage privately rather than join a visible group setting.