Psychosocial and functional outcomes in African Americans with diabetes mellitus

ABNF J. 2002 Sep-Oct;13(5):103-9.

Abstract

The overall goal of this study was to examine factors in African Americans that account for the variance in diabetes self-care, a proxy measure for functional status. A descriptive correlational design was used to study a sample of 133 adult African Americans with diabetes. The protocol included measures of psychosocial adjustment, self-efficacy, and functional status. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, stepwise multiple regression and T-tests. The analysis revealed positive attitudes and adjustment to having diabetes, a high level of self-confidence, and low functional status. Women compared to men scored higher on "negative attitude," and had greater problems with components comprising psychosocial adjustment to their diabetes and its related care. A description of socio-demographic data enhanced data collection. Level of formal education, which consistently correlated with various components of functional status was concluded to be the most significant variable associated with a good functional status outcome for African Americans with diabetes.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Black or African American*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / diet therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / ethnology*
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Behavior / ethnology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Compliance
  • Self Efficacy
  • Social Adjustment
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome