Abstract
BackgroundSelf-management is the cornerstone of diabetes control and prevention of complications; however, it is undetermined whether differences in intention to adopt healthy lifestyles and actual healthy behavior exist across race/ethnic groups. This study evaluated the differences across racial-ethnic groups in self-reported medical advice received and health intentions and behaviors among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of the 2007 SHIELD US survey ascertained self-reported health intentions and behaviors for regular exercise, diet, and weight management among Non-Hispanic Caucasian (n = 2526), Non-Hispanic African-American (n = 706), and Hispanic (n = 179) respondents with type 2 diabetes.ResultsA similar proportion of respondents from each race-gender group (43%-56%) reported receiving healthcare advice to increase their exercise (P = 0.32). Significantly more minorities reported an intention to follow the exercise recommendation compared with Non-Hispanic Caucasians (P = 0.03). More Non-Hispanic African-American (29%) and Hispanic (27%) men reported exercising regularly compared with other race-gender groups (P = 0.02). Significantly more Non-Hispanic Caucasian women (74%) and Hispanic women (79%) reported trying to lose weight compared with other groups (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsDifferences in health intentions and healthy behaviors were noted across race-gender groups. More Non-Hispanic African-American men reported an intention to follow advice on exercising and self-report of exercising regularly was also higher compared with other race-gender groups. More Hispanic men reported high physical activity levels than other groups. Despite an increased willingness to follow healthcare recommendations for diet, >50% of respondents were obese among all race-gender groups.
Highlights
Self-management is the cornerstone of diabetes control and prevention of complications; it is undetermined whether differences in intention to adopt healthy lifestyles and actual healthy behavior exist across race/ethnic groups
To investigate whether there are differences across racial-ethnic groups in the self-reported information provided to adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus by their healthcare providers or differences in the health intentions and behaviors among these individuals, we analyzed data from the Study to Help Improve Early evaluation and management of risk factors Leading to Diabetes (SHIELD)
It is undetermined whether physicians provide similar health recommendations to their patients with type 2 diabetes who are Caucasian versus minorities and whether minority patients intend to and follow the recommendations compared with Caucasians
Summary
Self-management is the cornerstone of diabetes control and prevention of complications; it is undetermined whether differences in intention to adopt healthy lifestyles and actual healthy behavior exist across race/ethnic groups. To investigate whether there are differences across racial-ethnic groups in the self-reported information provided to adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus by their healthcare providers or differences in the health intentions and behaviors among these individuals, we analyzed data from the Study to Help Improve Early evaluation and management of risk factors Leading to Diabetes (SHIELD). SHIELD, a large US population-based survey, provides longitudinal data on healthcare providers’ health recommendations, individuals’ intention to follow the health recommendations, and actual health behaviors practiced by adults with type 2 diabetes It is undetermined whether physicians provide similar health recommendations to their patients with type 2 diabetes who are Caucasian versus minorities and whether minority patients intend to and follow the recommendations compared with Caucasians
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