Predictors of social support, acceptance, health-promoting behaviors, and glycemic control in African-Americans with type 2 diabetes.

Chronic illness is particularly important in older African-Americans because this population comprises the fastest growing segment of that ethnic group. This study explored relationships among personal factors (education and co-morbidity), mental health, and physical functioning on social support, social support on acceptance and health-promoting behaviors, acceptance on health-promoting behaviors, and health-promoting behaviors on HgbA1c. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a convenience sample of 63 African-Americans from a community clinic. Participants were asked their highest level of education and to indicate their chronic conditions. Other instruments used were: Health Survey (SF-36), Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ-85), Revised (IAD-R) scale (Acceptance), and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Glycemic control was measured using glycosylated hemoglobin. Physical functioning was the only significant predictor of social support (beta = .30, p = .03). In turn, social support predicted acceptance (beta = .32, p = .01) and health behaviors beta = .39, p = .002).