QUALITY-OF-LIFE AND SOCIAL-ENVIRONMENT AS REPORTED BY CHINESE IMMIGRANTS WITH NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) has been associated wi th stressful events such as immigration. The purpose of this paper is to report a pilot study that tested translated and back-translated ins truments to ascertain factors related to diabetes management in a grou p of Chinese immigrants with diabetes. The descriptive, cross-sectiona l design included a convenience sample of 30 Chinese immigrants who ha d been diagnosed with NIDDM for at least 1 year. Consenting participan ts completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires (Diabetes Family-Behavior Checklist II, Diabetes Quality of Life, and MDRTC Knowledge Test) tha t had been translated and back-translated into Chinese and returned th em in stamped, self-addressed envelopes. Results indicated that most o f the scale and subscale reliabilities were similar to those published previously. Study participants had received limited diabetes educatio n, reported many problems managing diabetes especially in terms of soc ial and vocational issues, and reported dissatisfaction with their qua lity of life. Diabetes-related family, supportive behaviors were rated positively indicating the importance of including family members in e ducational programs.