UC Santa Barbara

This study aimed to understand the experience of Mexican immigrant patients living in the U.S. and their health providers as they worked together in the treatment of type 2 diabetes at community health clinic. This study was conducted in partnership with a non-profit community health clinic that serves individuals living in poverty who may be uninsured. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach five bilingual health providers and seven Mexican female cisgender immigrant patients with type 2 diabetes were interviewed regarding their experiences in working together to promote treatment adherence. Findings were evaluated utilizing a strength-based and social justice framework to understand the role that culture played in the development of the patient-provider relationship as it related to adherence. This study highlights effective strategies that are facilitative in building collaborative relationships that can be used to promote treatment adherence over time. This study has the potential to inform future intervention efforts that are informed in patients’ and providers’ perspectives, are culturally congruent, and may require minimal resources.