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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Elena Serrano, PhD, Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise (0430), Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 201 Wallace Annex, Blacksburg, VA 24061, (540) 231-3464, serrano@vt.edu, Sarah E. Dauber, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 W. Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23501, and Jenn A. Leiferman, PhD, School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 E 9th Ave, B119, Denver, CO 80262.

Recent clinical trials indicate that type 2 diabetes can largely be prevented through lifestyle factors. In order to identify important modalities for the prevention of diabetes in medically underserved counties of Virginia (Appalachia), a questionnaire was administered to 135 at-risk individuals, having reported at least one risk factor. The questionnaire assessed attitudes, self-efficacy, diet, and physical activity toward the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Overall, none of the respondents reported being told by a physician that they were at risk for diabetes and more than one-third reported at least three diabetes symptoms. When stratified by low and high risk level, there were no significant differences in self-efficacy, control, and healthy dietary behaviors. High risk individuals did report being less active and running out of food more frequently than low risk individuals, however. The findings suggest that cost-effective prevention efforts should incorporate physician education, include screenings, and address self-efficacy enhancing strategies.

Learning Objectives: