Psychosocial and functional outcomes in African Americans with diabetes mellitus

The overall goal of this study was to examine factors in African Americans that account for the variance in diabetes self-care, a proxy measure for functional status. A descriptive correlational design was used to study a sample of 133 adult African Americans with diabetes. The protocol included measures of psychosocial adjustment, self-efficacy, and functional status. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, stepwise multiple regression and T-tests. The analysis revealed positive attitudes and adjustment to having diabetes, a high level of self-confidence, and low functional status. Women compared to men scored higher on "negative attitude," and had greater problems with components comprising psychosocial adjustment to their diabetes and its related care. A description of socio-demographic data enhanced data collection. Level of formal education, which consistently correlated with various components of functional status was concluded to be the most significant variable associated with a good functional status outcome for African Americans with diabetes.