S A Brown1, R B Harrist2, E T Villagomez3, M Segura4, S A Barton2, C L Hanis5. 1. The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Dr Brown) 2. School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Dr Harrist and Ms Barton) 3. Bayer Pharmaceutical Company, San Antonio, Texas (Ms Villagomez) 4. Starr County Memorial Hospital, Rio Grande City, Texas (Mr Segura) 5. The Human Genetics Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Dr Hanis)
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to describe metabolic control, knowledge, and health beliefs of Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes. METHODS:The study site was Starr County, Texas, a border community located on the Rio Grande River and bordering northern Mexico. Of the total sample of 360 persons, 252 agreed to participate in this intervention study and were randomized either to the treatment group or the control group that waited 1 year to begin the intervention. RESULTS: The majority of individuals were Spanish-speaking females with a mean age of 54 years and a mean diabetes duration of 8 years. For those treated with diet only, males exhibited higher fasting blood glucose levels than females. Gender effects were seen for cholesterol level, with females exhibiting higher levels than males. Males expressed stronger perceptions of control and social support for diet. Bivariate relationships were found between acculturation and diabetes knowledge. The health belief subscales of control and impact on job together explained 16% of the variance in HbA1c values. CONCLUSIONS: Males and females held differing beliefs about ability to control their diabetes and degree of social support for diet. The impact of gender differences on ability to integrate diabetes self-care and on effectiveness of diabetes programs has not been determined but should be considered in future research.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to describe metabolic control, knowledge, and health beliefs of Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The study site was Starr County, Texas, a border community located on the Rio Grande River and bordering northern Mexico. Of the total sample of 360 persons, 252 agreed to participate in this intervention study and were randomized either to the treatment group or the control group that waited 1 year to begin the intervention. RESULTS: The majority of individuals were Spanish-speaking females with a mean age of 54 years and a mean diabetes duration of 8 years. For those treated with diet only, males exhibited higher fasting blood glucose levels than females. Gender effects were seen for cholesterol level, with females exhibiting higher levels than males. Males expressed stronger perceptions of control and social support for diet. Bivariate relationships were found between acculturation and diabetes knowledge. The health belief subscales of control and impact on job together explained 16% of the variance in HbA1c values. CONCLUSIONS: Males and females held differing beliefs about ability to control their diabetes and degree of social support for diet. The impact of gender differences on ability to integrate diabetes self-care and on effectiveness of diabetes programs has not been determined but should be considered in future research.
Authors: Enza Gucciardi; Shirley Chi-Tyan Wang; Margaret DeMelo; Lina Amaral; Donna E Stewart Journal: Can Fam Physician Date: 2008-02 Impact factor: 3.275