Implementation and evaluation of the chronic-disease self-management program among Chinese immigrant older adults in the U.S.

This article describes the implementation and evaluation of the chronic-disease self-management (CDSM) program, developed by Stanford University, among Chinese older adults in a metro area of a large Southeastern City of the U.S. The method of Practical Participatory Evaluation through an academic-community partnership between university researchers and local Chinese communities was used to develop the program and assess its applicability in the population. Results suggested that language proficiency, communication, social network and culture of the population were the most influential factors for U.S. Chinese immigrants to attend the CDSM program. The program increased participants' knowledge, skills and confidence in CDSM, whereas its capability in addressing culture differences needed improvement. Knowledge learned in this project was instrumental in implementing similar projects among immigrants.