title: Patterns and Stability over Time of Older Adults' Diabetes-related Beliefs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to identify coherent profiles of diabetes beliefs within discrete domains (ie causes, symptoms, consequences, self management, and medical management), and delineate consistency of belief profiles over one month.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diabetes beliefs of rural-dwelling older adults were assessed with the Common Sense Model of Diabetes Inventory at baseline (N = 593) and one month later (N = 563).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A discrete number of belief patterns were identified in each belief domain using latent class analysis. Belief patterns varied by the extent to which more popular or folk notions of diabetes encroached on biomedical understandings of the disease. Belief patterns were generally stable over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A manageable number of belief patterns can be identified and used to strengthen patient-centered care and, potentially, enhance diabetes management.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Professor of Family Resilience, Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK.
authors.forename: Joseph G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Grzywacz
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Arcury
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Ha T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saldana
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Edward H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Ip
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Julienne K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Ronny A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC.
authors.forename: Sara A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Quandt
keywords: Common Sense Model of Illness; diabetes beliefs; older adultst; type 2 diabetes