Participation Type
Poster
Presentation #1 Title
Diabetes and the Appalachian Culture
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Diabetes is epidemic in the United States. According to the Virginia Department of Health (2011) diabetes is 71% more prevalent in the Appalachian region of Virginia compared to the rest of the state. In 2009, 13.9% of Virginians living in the Appalachian region had a diabetes diagnosis, which was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the 7.4% of Virginians with diabetes in the non-Appalachian regions. The American Diabetes Association asks that traditions, beliefs, religion, and heritage be weighed when the practitioner recommends lifestyle alterations. A literature review indicated initial improvement in blood glucose values after implementation of culturally relevant education interventions in various population groups. The challenge for the healthcare provider practicing in the Appalachian regions embodies how to integrate healthy lifestyle changes while acknowledging and respecting the cultural background of the rural Appalachian patient. The poster presentation explores Appalachian traditions that impact diabetes lifestyle management. Indigenous foods and their harvest and storage methods such as beekeeping, livestock rearing, hunting, canning, jam and butters, and even moonshine are considered, as well as transportation and technology difficulties. The goal is encouraging patients to maintain a sense of cultural self while increasing compliance with medical recommendations in diabetes self management. Understanding the diversity of a particular group allows an educator to adapt information in a manner that will allow patients to better understand, and better utilize, the information offered. Instead of handing diabetic patients generic educational materials, healthcare workers should incorporate and honor the cultural traditions of the Appalachian region.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Judy Jenks Branscom MSN, FNP is a lifelong resident of the Appalachian region of Virginia. She is a Family Nurse Practitioner, pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Radford University, Radford, Virginia. She is also adjunct faculty of Nursing at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke,Virginia. Judy conducts patient diabetic education classes at her clinic and relies on her Appalachian heritage to adapt the classes to meet the needs of her patient population.
Diabetes and the Appalachian Culture
Diabetes is epidemic in the United States. According to the Virginia Department of Health (2011) diabetes is 71% more prevalent in the Appalachian region of Virginia compared to the rest of the state. In 2009, 13.9% of Virginians living in the Appalachian region had a diabetes diagnosis, which was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the 7.4% of Virginians with diabetes in the non-Appalachian regions. The American Diabetes Association asks that traditions, beliefs, religion, and heritage be weighed when the practitioner recommends lifestyle alterations. A literature review indicated initial improvement in blood glucose values after implementation of culturally relevant education interventions in various population groups. The challenge for the healthcare provider practicing in the Appalachian regions embodies how to integrate healthy lifestyle changes while acknowledging and respecting the cultural background of the rural Appalachian patient. The poster presentation explores Appalachian traditions that impact diabetes lifestyle management. Indigenous foods and their harvest and storage methods such as beekeeping, livestock rearing, hunting, canning, jam and butters, and even moonshine are considered, as well as transportation and technology difficulties. The goal is encouraging patients to maintain a sense of cultural self while increasing compliance with medical recommendations in diabetes self management. Understanding the diversity of a particular group allows an educator to adapt information in a manner that will allow patients to better understand, and better utilize, the information offered. Instead of handing diabetic patients generic educational materials, healthcare workers should incorporate and honor the cultural traditions of the Appalachian region.
