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Acceptability and Suitability of Mindfulness Training for Diabetes Management in an Indigenous Community

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Abstract

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been categorized as a worldwide epidemic and indigenous populations experience disproportionately higher rates. Stress is a factor in both the development and maintenance of T2DM, and stress is common in the lives of indigenous people. Previous research indicates that mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) can improve health outcomes for diabetes patients, and we hypothesized that the mind/body approach of MBIs would be appropriate for, and acceptable to, indigenous people whose healing traditions incorporate aspects of mind, body, and spirit. Our previous quantitative investigation revealed both statistically and clinically significant health improvements in Aboriginal participants (N = 11) recruited from urban and rural centers in Manitoba, Canada. In this qualitative study, we set out to determine the acceptability, suitability, and perceived value of the MBI through the reported subjective experiences of these participants. Data obtained through semi-structured interviews were analyzed using the framework analytic approach and revealed several salient categories and subcategories under the main themes of factors related to participation, including motivating factors and barriers; outcome, including perceived benefits and evaluations of the program and its practices; and directions for future programs. Overall, the results indicate that the Aboriginal participants valued the lessons, practices, and perceived benefits of the program and they found the MBI culturally acceptable and suitable to their needs.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship and by a University of Manitoba University Research Grants Program faculty grant. We would like to thank Sarah Raposo, Michelle Wright, and Kristin Reynolds for their help with transcription and data analysis. We would also like to express our gratitude to Bev Smith who made it possible to bring our study to the health center of the Brokenhead Ojibwe Nation and to the community of Brokenhead for supporting our program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada

    Lisa C. Dreger & Corey Mackenzie

  2. Strong Heart Consultations, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Brian McLeod

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  1. Lisa C. Dreger
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  2. Corey Mackenzie
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  3. Brian McLeod
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Correspondence to Lisa C. Dreger.

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Dreger, L.C., Mackenzie, C. & McLeod, B. Acceptability and Suitability of Mindfulness Training for Diabetes Management in an Indigenous Community. Mindfulness 6, 885–898 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-014-0332-0

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