Research conducted for Diabetes Queensland on behalf of the National Diabetes Services Scheme

Communicating about diabetes to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

The Problem

• Significantly increased rates of deaths from some CALD communities

• Prevalent in communities from North Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, Oceania (excluding Australia), southern and eastern Europe

• Despite prevalence, strong gap on National Diabetes Services Scheme

The Problem

• Gaps in knowledge and understanding of these communities• What was known?

- Low literacy, - language issues- lack of access to culturally sensitive info

The Research

• Desktop• NDSS data• Literature review

• Primary - interviews- Bi-lingual health professionals- NDSS agents in every state

The Research

• Focus groups- Vietnamese- Turkish- Chinese- Arabic-speaking cultures

The Research – what did we explore?

When were you first diagnosed?

Where did you get information from?

Was the information helpful?

Did you get support straight away?

What stopped you from getting help?

Have you registered? Why? Why not?

Who do you trust for information about diabetes?

Have you heard of the NDSS?

What would convince you to join?

What did we find?

CALD communities present later with diabetes

Doctors are trusted but their ability to communicate to CALD audiences varies

• Lack of interest• Culturally insensitive advice• Lack of time• Translation / cost issues

Translated material is often inappropriate

It is a long road between diagnosis and support

Saving money works in every language

What does it all mean?

Communication should focus on recognition of conditions as well as management

Don’t treat CALD communities as one homogenous group

Family is important

Educate doctors or help them to provide support

Activate bi-lingual health networks

Community networks are stronger in CALD communities – use them

Translating materials is not a CALD communication campaign – but it is a start