Introduction & Objective: There is a preponderance of evidence regarding the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on diabetes management and outcomes. However, absent from this literature is attention to employment and workplace conditions as determinants of health. Responding to this gap, this study examines whether and how employment experiences and work environments impact diabetes self-management for people in low wage jobs.
Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews (N=115) with 41 participants who are enrolled in a study about housing and diabetes outcomes. Initial interviews focused on broad experiences of diabetes management, economic precarity, and housing. Work and employment emerged as important topics and we conducted an additional 15 interviews to explore these topics in-depth. We analyzed the data using inductive coding and memo writing techniques.
Results: The average age of participants was 51 with a range from 24 to 70. 70% (29) of participants identify as African American, 15% (6) as white and 15% (6) as other. 63% (26) identified as female and 37% (15) as male. Interview participants described work schedules and environments that were not conducive to diabetes management. Participants revealed that they often struggled to balance demands of work with diabetes self-management and often felt like they were failing to successfully manage their nutrition, consistent medication and insulin intake, exercise, stress, and sleep which all factor into diabetes outcomes.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest the need for improved support systems for low wage workers with diabetes to help mitigate disparities in diabetes outcomes.
P. Schlesinger: None. P. Asante: None. K.J. Lipska: None. D. Keene: None.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK124500)
