Lisa A. Strycker

Personal-model beliefs and social-environmental barriers related to diabetes self-management

OBJECTIVE The specific aims of the present study were to report on the level of personal beliefs and social and environmental barriers across different regimen areas and patient subgroups and on the relationship of personal models and perceived barriers to the level of self-management. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study focused on several issues related to personal models (representations of illness) and perceived barriers to diabetes self-management among a large heterogeneous survey sample of 2,056 adults throughout the U.S. RESULTS Respondents felt that diabetes was a serious disease and that their self-management activities will control their diabetes and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications. Most frequently reported barriers were related to dietary adherence, followed by exercise and glucose testing barriers. Both personal models and barriers significantly predicted level of self-management in all three regimen areas studied (diet, exercise, and glucose testing) after controlling for the influence of demographic and medical history factors. Regimen-specific models and barriers proved to be stronger predictors than more global measures. Differences on personal models and barriers were observed among different patient groups (e.g., age, health insurance, and insulin-taking status). Possible reasons for these differences and implications for intervention and future research are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Both the personal-model and barriers scales had good internal consistency and predicted variance in each of the self-management variables after controlling for demographic and medical history factors. These brief self-report personal-model scales demonstrated good internal reliability and were as predictive of self-management as the lengthier interview-based measures in previous studies. The assessment of the treatment effectiveness component of personal models may be sufficient for most clinical purposes.

Sources and types of social support in youth physical activity

This study examines the influence of sources and types of social support on youth physical activity. The sample comprised 372 youth (mean age=12.05 years, SD=1.63). Youth were 76% White and 50.3% female. The annual household income for the sample was 20% under

Long-term effects of the Mediterranean lifestyle program: a randomized clinical trial for postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes

30,000; 30%

Self-Efficacy, Problem Solving, and Social-Environmental Support Are Associated With Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors

30,000-

A multilevel analysis of neighborhood context and youth alcohol and drug problems.

49,999; 25%

A social-ecologic approach to assessing support for disease self-management: the Chronic Illness Resources Survey.

50,000-

The Relationship Between Diabetes Distress and Clinical Depression With Glycemic Control Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

69,999; 13%

Engagement in a Diabetes Self-management Website: Usage Patterns and Generalizability of Program Use

70,000-

Exploring associations in developmental trends of adolescent substance use and risky sexual behavior in a high-risk population.

89,999; and 12%

Twelve-month outcomes of an Internet-based diabetes self-management support program.

90,000 and above. Results revealed that friends who support and watch youth engage in activities are significantly and positively related to youth physical activity. Significant correlations existed among the type factors. Future research should examine the sources and nature of support and the mechanisms through which social support influences youth physical activity.