Date of Award

8-2008

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Kieran Fogarty

Second Advisor

Dr. Kathie Aduddell

Third Advisor

Dr. Amy Curtis

Abstract

The Latino population, the largest ethnic minority in the United States, is a diverse group originating from numerous geographic regions of Latin America. Latinos vary in the risk for type 2 diabetes, a condition that exacts a costly burden on those who suffer with it. With the Latino population diversity, diverse strategies are needed. One strategy is to improve outcomes of life quality by improving knowledge of those who deliver health services to Latinos with type 2 diabetes. Through measurement of quality of life (QOL), the more precious aspects of living, how one feels about living with diabetes, can be measured. This information may serve to not only predict outcomes, but inform providers of the needs and perceptions of their patients.

The current study uses the Audit for Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL), a diabetes-specific quality of life instrument. ADDQoL baseline questionnaires from 297 Latinos with type 2 diabetes provided the secondary data for this descriptive, comparative study. The study examined differences in QOL across immigrants to the United States from four geographic regions of Latin America. Results of the study suggest there are significant differences in diabetes-related quality of life across the regions. Additionally, principal component analysis was used to identify sub-domains of the ADDQoL to identify the physical, social, and psychological well-being of subjects. The sub-domains were then analyzed for their predictive ability on the overall quality of life of the Latino subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Physical functioning and social well-being were the only significant predictors of life quality in Latinos with type 2 diabetes using the ADDQoL. The study findings are useful to raise awareness of the unique differences and commonalities of Latinos as educators and providers work with the population. Further research is needed to examine the sub-domains of the ADDQoL, especially the psychological well-being, other influences such as education or co-morbidities on quality of life, and other biological markers such as the HbA1c and quality of life.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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