Purpose: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: 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.