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In light of a marked increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in the United States in recent years with associated health costs totaling $245 billion for 2012, diabetes has become a major health and fiscal concern. Haitian Americans as a cultural group have unique obstacles to effective treatment and management of diabetes. This paper analyzes recent studies relevant to these challenges in anticipation of new research pertaining to this population. Although medication compliance is generally referred to as adherence, it is a complex concept and key challenge in diabetes care. Accordingly, this paper will further define adherence by describing its relevance in effective treatment and management. It will also analyze key theoretical perspectives in diabetes care, summarize recent research, and make recommendations for effective future research on the impact of diabetes education in Haitian Americans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vulnerability of deafblind people is considered axiomatic; they are seen not only as a vulnerable group but also as one of the most vulnerable. This paper aims to synthesise existing knowledge to determine what is known about such vulnerability. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken between April 2013 and May 2014. The review method was informed by systematic review principles. An approach based on a 'hierarchy of evidence' would have reduced the amount of literature reviewed significantly, to the point where synthesis would not be possible. Included material was appraised and an interpretative rather than aggregative approach to synthesis adopted. Drawing on principles of critical interpretive synthesis, rather than being a determiner of whether material should be included or excluded, a critique of the literature is offered within the synthesis. Twenty-eight references were identified for inclusion, originating from the UK, USA, Australia, Continental Europe and the Nordic Countries. No empirical studies specifically examining the experience of vulnerability of deafblind people were found. However, deafblind people describe feelings of vulnerability in studies exploring their experiences more generally, and in personal accounts of living with the impairment. Literature produced by practitioners and specialist organisations also explores the topic. Deafblind people are identified as a population 'at risk' of various adverse outcomes, particularly when compared to the non-deafblind majority, and deafblind people describe being and feeling vulnerable in various situations. The literature largely relates to negative outcomes and includes significantly less exploration of positive risk taking, coping capacity and resilience. Deafblind people do not appear to describe themselves as being vulnerable as a permanent state, suggesting a need for greater exploration of the experience among all sections of this heterogeneous population, with consideration of the concepts of resilience and coping capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]