Participants: 29 Chinese immigrants aged .45 years and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 1 year.Results: Eight key themes were found to potentially affect Chinese immigrantsf capacity to obtain, communicate, process and understand diabetes related health information and consequently alter their decision making in self-care. Among the themes, three major categories emerged: cultural factors, structural barriers, and personal barriers.Objectives: To investigate why first-generation Chinese immigrants with diabetes have difficulty obtaining, processing and understanding diabetes related information despite the existence of translated materials and translators.Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity when working with first-generation Chinese immigrants with diabetes. Implications for health professionals, local community centres and other potential service providers are discussed.Design: This qualitative study employed purposive sampling. Six focus groups and two individual interviews were conducted. Each group discussion lasted approximately 90 min and was guided by semistructured and open-ended questions.Setting: Data were collected in two community health centres and one elderly retirement village in Los Angeles, California.

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information processing cultural anthropology China Culture immigrant Chinese non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 human middle aged statistics and numerical data diabetes mellitus communication skill retirement ethnology procedures qualitative research cultural sensitivity interview United States Humans migrant Asian Americans male Emigrants and Immigrants female Asian American cultural factor medical information Article health care major clinical study adult patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care Focus Groups decision making health literacy Los Angeles Self Care Health Services Accessibility public health health care delivery