The relationship of ethnicity to diabetes self-care and medical outcomes in African-Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Abstract
As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus increases in ethnic minorities of color, and the U.S. ethnic minority of color population continues to grow, the numbers of patients with type 2 diabetes who are members of diverse ethnic groups will increase. Understanding the relationship of ethnic experience to self-care behaviors such as exercise, diet, and self-monitoring of blood glucose has the potential of informing diabetes educational and behavioral interventions. The current study was designed to address three research areas: (1) the development of a measurement model for the construct of ethnicity; (2) the examination of the relationships between ethnicity and diabetes self-care behaviors; and (3) examination of the direct relationships between ethnicity and glycemic control. The sample consisted of 94 low-income, African-American, inner-city hospital outpatients with type 2 diabetes. Average age was 53 years. Participants were female (64%), and attained a high school education or less (66%). Factor analyses examining the two-tier measurement model of ethnicity showed moderate support for the hypothesized model. Regression analyses showed modest relationships between dietary adherence and African-American acculturation. Regression analyses showed no direct relationships between measures of ethnicity and glycemic control. Implications for future exploration of the measurement model of ethnicity are discussed. Discussion of follow-up exploration of a comprehensive model of the impact of ethnicity on diabetes self-care is provided. ^
Subject Area
Black Studies|Health Sciences, Public Health|Psychology, Clinical
Recommended Citation
Mary K de Groot,
"The relationship of ethnicity to diabetes self-care and medical outcomes in African-Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus"
(1999).
Dissertations and Master's Theses (Campus Access).
Paper AAI9960020.
http://digitalcommons.uri.edu/dissertations/AAI9960020