Social support and social-ecological resources as mediators of lifestyle intervention effects for type 2 diabetes.
A study was conducted to determine if an intervention could change social support and social-ecological resources of post-menopausal women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and if those changes mediated the intervention's effects on health behaviors and outcomes. Women (N = 279) were randomly assigned to receive a comprehensive 6-month Mediterranean Lifestyle Program (MLP) or usual care from their physicians (UC). MLP was successful in changing social embeddedness and social-ecological resources, but not a measure of perceived support. Changes in social-ecological resources mediated intervention effects on fat consumption, exercise and glycemic control. The experimental manipulation of mediators and the demonstrated mediation effects support the conclusion that social-ecological resources can contribute to improvements in healthful lifestyles for women with type 2 diabetes.
Barrera
Manuel
M
Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA. Manuel.Barrera@asu.edu
Toobert
Deborah J
DJ
Angell
Karyn L
KL
Glasgow
Russell E
RE
Mackinnon
David P
DP
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D005260:Female; D006295:Health Resources; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000523:psychology; D009043:Motor Activity; D017698:Postmenopause; D016730:Program Development; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States