Perceptions of Need for Diabetes Peer-to-Peer Support in Terrier-Rouge, Haiti

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective: The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of, and receptiveness to, a peer-to-peer intervention for diabetes self-management in Terrier Rouge. Background: Diabetes is a growing epidemic in Haiti, particularly among the youth. In Haiti, diabetes is typically managed in the clinical settings. In rural Haiti, diabetes management is difficult for several reasons: low priority, limited education, inappropriate nutrition, and financial barriers. Methods: A needs assessment was conducted in this medically underserved community. A voluntary, anonymous and randomized survey was administered to 173 community stakeholders. The data was collected by trained personnel through personal interviews, and analyzed using the excel software. Results: Twenty-two percent of the respondents reported that they were directly affected by diabetes. The clinical setting was identified by sixty-eight percent of respondents as the preferred site for diabetes management, however, nineteen percent reported that diabetics in their community do not seek any care.Ninety three percent reported that diabetes is a serious problem, and eighty-eight percent acknowledged that their community is seriously affected by diabetes. Forty-two percent reported that diabetes was well managed in the community, and ninety-three percent stated that having educated and trained non-medical persons to assist with diabetes self-care would be extremely useful. Conclusion: This study suggests that there is a real concern about Diabetes in the community of Terrier Rouge, Haiti. The study paves way to the implementation of a diabetes peer-to-peer intervention whose outcomes will be formatively and summatively evaluated.