Perceptions of Dietary Habits and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes among Congolese Immigrants

Objective. to explore the perceptions of dietary habits and type 2 diabetes risk among congolese immigrants living in the us. methods. data were collected from 20 in-depth interviews and photo-elicitation techniques conducted with congolese immigrants. the pen-3 cultural model was used as a guide to analyze the data collected. results. participants identified positive,existential,and negative perceptions,enablers,and nurturers associated with dietary habits and type 2 diabetes risk. participants also acknowledged intrinsic cultural ways of understanding and interpreting the interaction between dietary habits and type 2 diabetes risk among the congolese people which may influence their health-seeking practices. conclusions. the findings underscore the importance of culture and how sociocultural factors may play a role with designing culturally appropriate interventions aimed at addressing the risk for type 2 diabetes among congolese immigrants in the us. © 2017 daudet ilunga tshiswaka et al.