Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease process that disproportionately affects minorities, mainly those of African-American descent (CDC, 2017). Decreasing the long-term complications associated with this disease requires substantial vigilance, lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and motivation on the part of the individual. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study, guided by Orem’s (1991) Conceptual Framework Theory of Self-Care, was to explore the relationship between family support, self-care, and health outcomes in African-American females between the ages of 40-80 years with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the investigator set out to determine: (a) the relationship between family support and health outcomes in selected African-American females with type 2 diabetes; (b) the relationship between self-care and health outcomes in selected African-American females with type 2 diabetes; and (c) which of the two variables assessed in this study (family support and self-care) best predict health outcomes.
A convenience sample of African-American females between the ages of 40-80 years were recruited through Qualtrics survey software. The investigator used the Diabetes Care Profile questionnaires to extract indicators for family support and self-care. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical regression model: analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a linear regression model. The investigator hypothesized that health outcomes in African-American females with type 2 diabetes are a function of family support and self-care activities, and when family support and self-care are adjusted, they will positively affect health outcomes. The study findings show that self-care abilities are the better indicator of health outcomes, but that family support does contribute positively to health outcomes.
