A disproportionate number of African-Americans is diagnosed with diabetes each year. This study evaluated the demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial risk factors that increase the prevalence of diabetes among the African-American population. Face-to-face interview was used get information from 20 African-American diabetics (Type 2) and 27 non-diabetics throughout the state of Missouri. The PRECEDE model was used as the theoretical framework. Instruments were used to measure knowledge of the disease, social and family support, health promotion behaviors, self-care activities, and cultural beliefs. Long-term control was measured by A1C test. Prevalence of obesity and hypertension in this sample among all respondents was overwhelming. Both diabetic and non-diabetic respondents had low levels of physical activity thus perpetuating the risk of obesity from sedentary lifestyles. The assessment of cultural beliefs showed significant statistical differences between the two groups. Diabetics showed a greater belief than non-diabetics that African American culture played a significant role in the way they handle the illness and its treatment. Many diabetics perceived it hard/very hard to do the following self-care activities: glucose monitoring, diet, exercise, medication, and record keeping. Diabetics had higher knowledge of the disease than non-diabetics and indicated their doctor as the most helpful source for diabetes information. Results supported several risk factors for the disease: obesity, physical inactivity, socioeconomic level, lack of understanding of the disease, lower health promotion behaviors, and difficulty in accepting the disease. Implications for improving diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and utilization of education programs for diabetes are discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. List the factors that contribute to higher prevalence of diabetes among African Americans. 2. Identify the influence of cultural beliefs in disease treatment and managment. 3. Describe the difference in psychosocial variables between the two groups
Keywords: Diabetes, Culture
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.