Self-management in African American women with diabetes.
This study describes demographic and medical characteristics, self-efficacy, locus of control, self-management defined by functional status, hemoglobin HbA1c outcomes, and the relationships among these variables based on age group differences (25-44 years, 45-64 years, and 65-84 years) in African American women with type 2 diabetes.



Subjects (n = 75) in community medical practices were interviewed to complete a demographic and medical form, the Diabetes Self-efficacy Outcomes Expectancy Questionnaire (DSEQ), the Diabetes Locus of Control Scale, and the Medical Outcomes-Short Form 36 (SF-36). A venous blood sample was taken following the interview. Data were analyzed for the total sample and separately for age groups.



Scores on the self efficacy (DSEQ) and the locus of control (LOC) were above average for all 3 groups. Significant correlations were found among subscales of the LOC, SF-36, and HbA1c. HbA1c scores were abnormally high across groups. Significant group differences were found in duration of diabetes and number of medications used.



Despite high levels of internal locus of control and self-efficacy and scores indicating good mental, physical, emotional, and social health, self-management among the women was inadequate, as indicated by abnormally high HbA1c levels.
Montague
Mamie C
MC
The College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Howard University, Washington, DC
Nichols
Sheryl A
SA
The College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Howard University, Washington, DC
Dutta
Arjun P
AP
The College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Howard University, Washington, DC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044383:Black People; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004219:District of Columbia; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D001741:Black or African American