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Insights from older adults with type 2 diabetes: making dietary and exercise changes
Cheryl J Dye1, Vivian Haley-Zitlin2, Deborah Willoughby3
1The Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina (Dr Dye)
Purpose:
The purpose of this research was to identify factors that affect the nutrition and exercise behaviors of persons over the age of 55 with type 2 diabetes.
Methods:
Focus groups were conducted using a validated focus group interview guide to determine primary health concerns and health behaviors, favored learning modalities, barriers to learning, food preferences, and exercise preferences.
Results:
The following major themes and subthemes were identified: some risk factors for diabetes and heart disease seem more salient than others; perceived susceptibility for serious outcomes of diabetes can occur through vicarious learning; willpower, often obtained through a belief in God, is necessary for successful behavior change; effective modification of behavior and building self-efficacy starts with small steps; and intrinsic reinforcement is necessary for behavior change.
Conclusions:
These data were used to identify strategies and messages to enhance adherence to nutrition and activity recommendations for persons with type 2 diabetes and accompanying cardiovascular risk factors.