ERIC Number: EJ1112367
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
The Importance of Social Support on Glycemic Control in Low-Income Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes
Rotberg, Britt; Junqueira, Yasmine; Gosdin, Lucas; Mejia, Roberto; Umpierrez, Guillermo E.
American Journal of Health Education, v47 n5 p279-286 2016
Background: The U.S. Latino population exhibits poorer glycemic control than the white population, leading to more frequent health complications and greater disease severity. Social support has been shown a significant factor in health and well-being. Purpose: To determine the association between glycemic control and social support in patients enrolled in the Emory Latino Diabetes Education Program (ELDEP). Methods: A descriptive study of the clinical and social support outcomes of 248 Latino patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes enrolled in a Spanish-language, culturally competent diabetes education program. Hemoglobin A1C, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and level of perceived social support were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of the intervention. Results: Patients with low levels of perceived social support at baseline had higher A1C (9.8%) than those who reported moderate-high levels of support (8.9%); however, both groups lowered their HbA1C during follow-up (9.8% to 7.5% and 8.9% to 7.7%, respectively; P < 0.001). Mean level of social support increased from 21 ± 9 at baseline to 29 ± 7 during follow-up (P < 0.001). Overall mean HbA1C decreased 9.1% to 7.7% (P < 0.001). Discussion: Participants in ELDEP have improved clinical indicators of care and increased levels of social support. Translation to Health Education Practice: Diabetes health education programs should consider incorporating social support strengthening to improve health outcomes.
Descriptors: Social Support Groups, Diabetes, Low Income Students, Well Being, Metabolism, Intervention, Patients, Health Education, Health Promotion, Hispanic Americans, Social Influences, Questionnaires
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A