← Back to research

Publication · Western Journal of Nursing Research · 2023

Experiences of Filipino Americans with type 2 diabetes during COVID-19

Tolentino, D. A., Roca, R. P. E., III, Yang, J., Itchon, J., & Byrnes, M. (2023).

DiabetesFilipino American healthCOVID-19Qualitative study
Read the full article
The big idea

COVID-19 magnified the challenges of managing type 2 diabetes for Filipino Americans, who leaned on family and faith to cope.

Who
Filipino Americans with type 2 diabetes
How
Qualitative interviews during the pandemic
What we learned
The pandemic strained diabetes care; family and faith helped

In plain language

We asked Filipino Americans with type 2 diabetes how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their health, including the added stress, disrupted routines and care, and what helped them cope.

About this study

Filipino Americans were hit especially hard by COVID-19, accounting for a disproportionate share of deaths in California, and already experience high rates of type 2 diabetes. We asked how the pandemic affected their ability to manage the condition.

Participants described added stress and disrupted access to care and supplies, while family and faith stood out as sources of resilience. The findings underscore the need for support that holds up during crises.

Community-engaged research with Filipino Americans.
Community-engaged research with Filipino Americans.

Key themes

1

Added stress

The pandemic intensified the daily demands of managing diabetes.

2

Disrupted access

Routines, supplies, and care were interrupted.

3

Resilience

Family and faith were central to coping.