Sociocultural influences on perceived risk in Latinos at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that perceived risk is a predictor of positive health behaviors to avert preventative chronic conditions. As a major factor in the Health Belief Model, high levels of perceived risk may operate as a “perceived susceptibility” to disease and may function as a “perceived threat” that triggers action towards preventing the onset of disease (Champion & Skinner, 2008). Following an Ecodevelopmental Model approach in an effort to prevent prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (Castro, Shaibi & Boehm-Smith, 2009) includes understanding the potential protective effects of certain cultural factors (including sources of social support that can promote healthy behavior changes), while also understanding the risk factors that influence the perceived risk of developing type 2 diabetes among adult Latinos (such as acculturation status, familial support, and concerns regarding diabetes). This secondary data analysis used data from a mixed methods research study and examined both qualitative text narrative information and numeric quantitative data regarding social support for diet and exercise. The Integrative Mixed Methods hypotheses were not found to be statistically significant, possibly due to being underpowered for the conduct of planned multivariate models. The top down, qualitative analyses were informed by prior theory on social support and generated nine thematic categories regarding types of social support including affiliation, appraisal, emotional, informational, instrumental, encouragement from family and friends, family traditions as a barrier to healthy behaviors, no support for diet and no support for exercise. Observed associations highlight the importance of family in the Latino population, as they serve as the foundation of not only decision making on various topics but also support in multiple capacities regarding the family member’s health and lowering their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Subject Area
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Hughes, Allyson Sue, "Sociocultural influences on perceived risk in Latinos at risk of developing type 2 diabetes" (2015). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1593099.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1593099