Purpose: To explore psychosocial and cultural values related to dietary and physical activity practices of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) with type 2 diabetes in Hawai'i. Methods: Content analysis of data previously collected from the experimental study, "The Study of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions in Diabetes Self-Management," was completed. Focus groups were conducted with a total of 15 men and women of AAPI descent, ages 18 -75 years with type 2 diabetes. Focus group discussions were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed for emergent categories and themes using the social ecological framework. In addition, NVivo 8 computer software was utilized for organization and management of data. Findings: Psychosocial themes related to dietary practices included depression, denial, happiness, self-control, and awareness of complications. Cultural values related to eating, such as family upbringing, social events, food variety, large food portions, and reciprocity were identified. Participants with underlying medical conditions posed as physiological limitations to physical activity. Psychosocial and cultural values that influenced physical activity were motivation, family values and gender. Conclusion: Results of this study support the value of employing the social ecological framework when attempting to understand the health behavior of these minority populations. The contextual experiences of the participants in their families, environment, and the local culture in Hawaii greatly affected their dietary and physical activity behaviors. From the social ecological perspective, an important recommendation from results of this study is for future support programs to address individual needs in the context of family. Interventions should also focus on the environmental values that influence variety and portions of food; and provide culturally sensitive support for the psychosocial issues that potentially become barriers. Education programs related to support for diabetes should be tailored for the AAPI populations. Empowerment with knowledge and support would allow individuals and their families to take ownership of their health care and thereby equipping them with tools to develop nutritionally and physically sound health habits to control diabetes. Positive health outcomes are, after all, the ultimate goal of diabetes self management.

Typescript. / Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii, 1969. / Bibliography: leaves [90]-97. / 97 l illus

Typescript. / Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1979. / Bibliography: leaves 198-208. / Microfiche. / viii, 208 leaves 29 cm

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 327-342). / Also available by subscription via World Wide Web / xxi, 342 leaves, bound 29 cm

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 208-219). / xiii, 219 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-137). / Also available by subscription via World Wide Web / xi, 137 leaves, bound col. ill. 29 cm