Participant demographic characteristics.

Aims
To explore factors that may contribute to a possible reduced compliance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a migrant (i.e. North African) background living in a western society.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with people with T2DM both of Moroccan and Belgian origin, recruited within the diabetes clinic of the University Hospital Brussel, Belgium. Data was analysed thematically using NVivo.
Results
Participants indicated they were adequately informed about T2DM, however results show a demand for culturally tailored preventive education for Moroccan participants. Both groups generally had good knowledge of a healthy lifestyle and what is expected after diagnosis, but considered maintaining healthy lifestyle and correct medication adherence, intensive. Participants mentioned a wide range of themes that affected their compliance, both positively and negatively. Perceived barriers were social issues, lack of motivation, insufficient support from the environment, stress, forgetfulness, winter conditions and COVID. Culturally shaped views on eating habits, illness, medication use and health were clear barriers in the Moroccan group.
Conclusion
Findings highlight the need for future in depth research into diabetes related knowledge within the Moroccan community living in Belgium (and similar other Western countries) whilst considering differences between generations of migrants, gender and level of education.