Falling into a deep dark hole: Tongan people’s perceptions of being at risk of developing type 2 diabetes

摘要: BACKGROUND Prediabetes is a precursor for type 2 diabetes. Compared to the New Zealand/European and other population groups (24.6%), prevalence of prediabetes higher within Pacific (29.8%). The diagnosis presents potential opportunity intervene prevent progression OBJECTIVE To develop an understanding how being 'at risk' developing diabetes perceived by Tongan people with living in Auckland, Zealand. METHODS Kakala Talanga methodologies underpinned this study. Twelve one-on-one, semi-structured interviews patients who had from primary health-care clinic Zealand, were conducted. Thematic analysis was used identify recurrent themes data. RESULTS Participants not aware their diagnosis, emotions associated reflected fear disbelief perception imminent danger. Family history informed perceptions risk could differentiate diabetes, recollections 'back Islands' Tonga consistent healthy lifestyles. CONCLUSIONS appeared be poorly understood believed irreversible, which discourage behaviour change, social physical improvements health. Appropriate culturally tailored messages accompany including cause management, would beneficial peoples.