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Introduction: 

Latinos have higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and complications yet are less likely to be prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1ra) compared to non-Hispanic white patients. GLP1ra improve glycemic control and have additional benefits such as weight loss, renal protective effects, and cardiovascular risk reduction. Limited English proficiency (LEP) is associated with poorer health status due to being unable to understand important health information. Given these intersecting challenges, it is imperative to understand how LEP Latinos with T2DM receive and prefer to learn information about newer diabetes medications like GLP1ra.  

Methods: 

This study will use qualitative methods and semi-structured 1-on-1 interviews.  The interviews will be audio recorded, professionally transcribed, and translated to English. The interview guide was developed using existing literature and the health belief model approach.

Study participants will be recruited from UCLA clinics and included Spanish speaking older Latino adults (>60 yo) with T2DM. The interviews will be transcribed and analyzed to identify thematic codes. Our analytical approach will use thematic analysis which entails identifying emergent themes during the examination of participant interviews and subsequently organizes these themes into cohesive clusters and central concepts. Participants will be compensated with a $25 gift card.  

Results: 

The findings will identify the extent to which current approaches align with patient preferences to clarify where breakdowns in communication occur and highlight opportunities to improve engagement. Additionally, digital health engagement will be characterized including the use of patient portals, telehealth, and electronic messaging to determine the impact it has on a patient's ability to meaningfully participate in discussions about GLP1ra. The role of caregivers and family influence on patient understanding of medication risk and benefits and willingness to initiate GLP1ra will also be identified. It is expected to identify patterns in which caregiver engagement serves as a facilitator of shared decision making. 

Conclusions: 

This project fills gaps in the literature regarding the use of GLP1ra in Latino communities and informs how to create culturally tailored approaches to patient education, medication adherence, and shared decision making in Spanish. Modifiable barriers to prescribing GLP1ra will be identified, allowing clinicians to incorporate structured approaches such as involving family members in counseling and potentially integrating digital health tools into routine care. This project will facilitate equitable diabetes care by ascertaining how to optimize the delivery of evidence-based therapies.