Increasing HIV Screening in a Federally Qualified Health Center: A Quality Improvement Project.

Background: HIV is a chronic infection that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a life-threatening condition. The highest number of new HIV diagnoses occurs in males, particularly Black men living in the southern region of the United States.  Black men tend to test less frequently than other races.   Objective: This pilot project was a quality improvement (QI) initiative to increase HIV screening rates among Black men who received healthcare at a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC). Methods: The 8-week QI initiative was implemented during clinic hours. A retrospective chart review was performed to compare baseline with post-initiative HIV screening rates for eligible patients who received care in Birmingham, Alabama, which was shown to be low. Then, a risk assessment questionnaire was administered before providing educational materials to improve screening rates among Black men at an urban multisite FQHC. Results: HIV screening rates among Black men increased after the two-part initiative (20% and 21%, respectively). Conclusions: This QI initiative demonstrated that HIV screening rates could increase with tailored provider-initiated interventions, including risk assessment and educational materials. Implications for Nursing: A DNP or other healthcare providers could use this project to inform the development of a larger-scale QI initiative at an FQHC to improve HIV screening rates for under-resourced populations.

Enhancing Provider Mental Health Screening in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Project.

Background: Depression and anxiety occur in 7.8% and 19.1% of the US population, respectively. About half of those patients are diagnosed in primary care. Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve the screening and diagnosing of anxiety and/or depression among adult patients at a primary care clinic by implementing an evidence-based mental health screening interview technique. Methods: The team implemented a mental health screening interview technique that incorporates background, affect, trouble, handling, and empathy and motivational interviewing techniques in addition to self-report surveys. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted to assess providers' perceptions of the new interview technique. ICD-10 code data were gathered to assess the effectiveness of the new mental health screening interview technique. Results: The number of documented diagnoses of single-episode major depressive disorder decreased by 18%, recurrent major depressive disorder increased by 34%, and anxiety disorders increased by 3%. There were more favorable provider perceptions of the new screening interview technique versus the traditional screening method. Conclusions: The results show an improvement in provider comfort and providers preferred the new mental health screening when using an evidence-based mental health screening interview technique. Implications for nursing: The results show the potential benefits of using a structured mental health interview with self-report screening tools when diagnosing anxiety and depression in primary care.

Enhancing Provider Mental Health Screening in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Project.

Background: Depression and anxiety occur in 7.8% and 19.1% of the US population, respectively. About half of those patients are diagnosed in primary care. Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve the screening and diagnosing of anxiety and/or depression among adult patients at a primary care clinic by implementing an evidence-based mental health screening interview technique. Methods: The team implemented a mental health screening interview technique that incorporates background, affect, trouble, handling, and empathy and motivational interviewing techniques in addition to self-report surveys. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted to assess providers' perceptions of the new interview technique. ICD-10 code data were gathered to assess the effectiveness of the new mental health screening interview technique. Results: The number of documented diagnoses of single-episode major depressive disorder decreased by 18%, recurrent major depressive disorder increased by 34%, and anxiety disorders increased by 3%. There were more favorable provider perceptions of the new screening interview technique versus the traditional screening method. Conclusions: The results show an improvement in provider comfort and providers preferred the new mental health screening when using an evidence-based mental health screening interview technique. Implications for nursing: The results show the potential benefits of using a structured mental health interview with self-report screening tools when diagnosing anxiety and depression in primary care.

Electronic patient-reported outcomes in clinical kidney practice (ePRO Kidney): a process evaluation of educational support for clinicians.

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly mandated in kidney care to incorporate patients' perspectives. Objectives: We assessed whether educational support for clinicians using electronic (e)PROs could enhance person-centered care. Design: A process evaluation, using a mixed methods longitudinal comparative concurrent design was undertaken of educational support to clinicians on routine use of ePROs. In two urban home dialysis clinics in Alberta, Canada, patients completed ePROs. At the implementation site, clinicians were provided with ePROs and clinician-oriented education via voluntary workshops. At the non-implementation site, neither were provided. Person-centered care was measured using the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care-20 (PACIC-20). Methods: Longitudinal structural equation models (SEMs) compared change in overall PACIC scores. The interpretive description approach, using thematic analysis of qualitative data, further evaluated processes of implementation. Results: Data were collected from questionnaires completed by 543 patients, 4 workshops, 15 focus groups, and 37 interviews. There was no overall difference in person-centered care throughout the study, including after delivery of workshops. The longitudinal SEMs revealed substantial individual-level variability in overall PACIC trajectories. However, there was no improvement at the implementation site and no difference between the sites during both the pre- and post-workshop periods. Similar results were obtained for each PACIC domain. Qualitative analysis provided insights into why there was no substantial difference between sites: (1) clinicians wanted to see kidney symptoms, not quality of life, (2) workshops were tailored to clinicians' educational needs, not patients' needs, and (3) variable use of ePRO data by clinicians. Conclusion: Training clinicians on use of ePROs is complex and likely only part of what is required to enhance person-centered care. Registration: NCT03149328. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03149328.

How Are Albertans "Adjusting to and Coping With" Dialysis? A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Depression and anxiety are commonly reported (40% and 11%-52%) among adults receiving dialysis, compared with ~10% among all Canadians. Mental health in dialysis care is underrecognized and undertreated. Objective: (1) To describe preferences for mental health support reported by Albertans receiving dialysis; (2) to compare depression, anxiety, and quality-of-life (QOL) domains for people who would or would not engage in support for mental health; and (3) to explore sociodemographic, mental health, and QOL domains that explain whether people would or would not engage in support for mental health. Design: A cross-sectional survey. Setting: Alberta, Canada. Patients: Adults receiving all modalities of dialysis (N = 2972). Measurements: An online survey with questions about preferences for mental health support and patient-reported outcome measures (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9], Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7], and Kidney Disease QOL Instrument-36 [KDQOL-36]). Methods: To address objectives 1 and 2, we conducted chi-square tests (for discrete variables) and t tests (for continuous variables) to compare the distributions of the above measures for two groups: Albertans receiving dialysis who would engage or would not engage in support for mental health. We subsequently conducted a series of binary logistic regressions guided by the purposeful variable selection approach to identify a subset of the most relevant explanatory variables for determining whether or not people are more likely to engage in support for mental health (objective 3). To further explain differences between the two groups, we analyzed open-text comments following a summative content analysis approach. Results: Among 384 respondents, 72 did not provide a dialysis modality or answer the PHQ-9. The final data set included responses from 312 participants. Of these, 59.6% would consider engaging in support, including discussing medication with a family doctor (72.1%) or nephrologist (62.9%), peer support groups (64.9%), and talk therapy (60%). Phone was slightly favored (73%) over in person at dialysis (67.6%), outpatient (67.2%), or video (59.4%). Moderate to severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥10) was reported by 33.4%, and most respondents (63.9%) reported minimal anxiety symptoms; 36.1% reported mild to severe anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score ≥5). The mean (SD) PHQ-9 score was 8.9 (6.4) for those who would engage in support, and lower at 5.8 (4.8) for those who would not. The mean (SD) GAD-7 score was 5.2 (5.6) for those who would engage in support and 2.8 (4.1) for those who would not. In the final logistic regression model, people who were unable to work had 2 times the odds of engaging in support than people who are able to work. People were also more likely to engage in support if they had been on dialysis for fewer years and had lower (worse) mental health scores (odds ratios = 1.06 and 1.38, respectively). The final model explained 15.5% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance and with 66.6% correct classification. We analyzed 146 comments in response to the question, "Is there anything else you like to tell us." The top 2 categories for both groups were QOL and impact of dialysis environment. The third category differed: those who would engage wrote about support, whereas those who would not engage wrote about "dialysis is the least of my worries." Limitations: A low response rate of 12.9% limits representativeness; people who chose not to participate may have different experiences of mental health. Conclusions: Incorporating patients' preferences and willingness to engage in support for mental health will inform future visioning for person-centered mental health care in dialysis.

Contexte: La dépression et l'anxiété sont plus fréquemment signalées chez les adultes traités par dialyse (dépression: 40 %; anxiété: 11 à 52 %) comparativement à la population canadienne (environ 10 %). Les problèmes de santé mentale sont insuffisamment reconnus et traités dans les soins de dialyse. Objectifs: (1) décrire les préférences en matière de soutien en santé mentale des Albertains traités par dialyse; (2) comparer les domaines de la dépression, de l'anxiété et de la qualité de vie (QV) pour les personnes désirant obtenir ou non du soutien en santé mentale; (3) explorer les domaines sociodémographiques, de santé mentale et de QV qui expliquent pourquoi une personne désirerait obtenir ou non du soutien en santé mentale. Conception: Sondage transversal. Cadre: Alberta, Canada. Sujets: Adultes recevant toutes les modalités de dialyse (N=2972). Mesures: Un sondage en ligne comportant des questions sur les préférences en matière de soutien en santé mentale. Les mesures des résultats rapportés par les patients à trois questionnaires (questionnaire-9 sur la santé des patients [PHQ-9], questionnaire-7 sur les troubles anxieux généralisés [GAD-7] et l'instrument QOL-36 pour l'insuffisance rénale [KDQOL-36]). Méthodologie: Pour répondre aux objectifs 1 et 2, nous avons effectué des tests chi-carrés (pour les variables discrètes) et des tests t (pour les variables continues) pour comparer les distributions des mesures ci-dessus pour deux groupes: les Albertains sous dialyse désirant obtenir ou non du soutien en santé mentale. Une série de régressions logistiques binaires guidées par une approche de sélection ciblée des variables a ensuite été effectuée pour identifier un sous-ensemble des plus pertinentes variables explicatives permettant de déterminer si les gens sont plus susceptibles de vouloir obtenir du soutien en santé mentale (objectif 3). Pour expliquer plus précisément les différences entre les deux groupes, nous avons analysé les commentaires en texte ouvert en suivant une approche d'analyse de contenu sommative. Résultats: Des 384 répondants, 72 n'ont pas indiqué de modalité de dialyse ni répondu au questionnaire PHQ-9. L'ensemble de données final comprend les réponses de 312 patients. De ce nombre, 59,6 % envisageraient d'obtenir du soutien, notamment une discussion sur les médicaments avec un médecin de famille (72,1 %) ou un néphrologue (62,9 %), une participation à des groupes de soutien par les pairs (64,9 %) ou une psychothérapie (60 %). Les répondants préféraient le téléphone (73 %) plutôt qu'une visite en personne pendant la dialyse (67,6 %), qu'une consultation externe (67,2 %) ou qu'une consultation vidéo (59,4 %). Des symptômes dépressifs modérés à graves (score PHQ-9 ≥10) ont été rapportés par 33,4 % des répondants. La plupart des répondants (63,9 %) a signalé des symptômes minimes d'anxiété et 36,1 % ont signalé des symptômes d'anxiété légers à graves (score GAD-7 ≥5). Le score moyen (É-T) au PHQ-9 était de 8,9 (6,4) pour les sujets qui désiraient obtenir du soutien et de 5,8 (4,8) pour ceux qui n'en désiraient pas. Le score moyen (É-T) au GAD-7 était de 5,2 (5,6) pour les sujets qui désiraient obtenir du soutien et de 2,8 (4,1) pour ceux qui n'en désiraient pas. Dans le modèle final de régression logistique, les personnes qui ne pouvaient pas travailler étaient deux fois plus susceptibles de vouloir chercher du soutien que celles qui pouvaient travailler. Les répondants étaient également plus susceptibles de se faire aider s'ils étaient sous dialyse depuis moins longtemps et avaient des scores de santé mentale inférieurs (les plus faibles) (rapports de cotes respectifs: 1,06 et 1,38). Le modèle final expliquait 15,5 % (Nagelkerke R2) de la variance avec 66,6 % de classification correcte. Nous avons analysé 146 réponses à la question: « Y a-t-il autre chose que vous souhaiteriez nous dire? ¼ Dans les deux groupes, les deux principales catégories étaient la QV et l'impact de l'environnement de dialyse. La troisième catégorie différait: ceux qui en obtenaient écrivaient sur le soutien, alors que ceux qui n'en obtenaient pas ont indiqué que la « dialyse était le moindre de leurs soucis ¼. Limites: Le faible taux de réponse (12,9 %) limite la représentativité; les personnes qui ont choisi de ne pas participer pourraient avoir des expériences différentes en matière de santé mentale. Conclusion: L'intégration des préférences des patients et de leur volonté d'obtenir du soutien en santé mentale permettra d'éclairer la vision future des soins de santé mentale axés sur les patients traités par dialyse.

Patient Perspectives on Integrating Risk Prediction Into Kidney Care: Opinion Piece.

Although Chronic Kidney Disease is common, only a relatively small proportion of individuals will reach kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation. Validated risk equations using routine laboratory tests have been developed that can easily be used at the bedside to help clinicians accurately predict the risk of kidney failure in their patient population, in turn informing patient-centered conversations, guiding appropriate nephrology referrals, improving the timing of dialysis treatment planning, and identifying individuals who are most likely to benefit from interventions. In this article, individuals living with kidney disease share why access to individualized prediction of kidney failure risk can help patients manage their disease and why it should be considered an essential component of kidney care.

Risk factor control among Black and White adults with diabetes onset in older adulthood: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

The objective of this study was to determine whether attainment of clinical and lifestyle targets varied by race and sex among adults with diabetes onset in older adulthood. This study included 1420 black and white adults from the REGARDS study without diabetes at baseline (2003-07) but with diabetes onset at the follow-up exam (2013-16). Attainment of clinical targets (A1c <8%; blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg; and statin use) and lifestyle targets (not smoking; physical activity≥ 4 times/week; and moderate/no alcohol use) was assessed at the follow-up exam. Modified Poisson regression was used to obtain prevalence ratios (PR) for meeting clinical and lifestyle targets stratified by race and sex, separately. The mean age was 71.5 years, 53.6% were female, and 46.1% were black. The majority were aware of their diabetes status (85.7%) and used oral or injectable hypoglycemic medications (64.8%). Overall, 39.4% met all 3 clinical targets and 18.8% met all 3 lifestyle targets. Meeting A1c and blood pressure targets were similar by race and sex. Statin use was more prevalent for men than women among white adults (PR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.99-1.29) and black adults (PR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.06-1.43). For lifestyle factors, the non-smoking prevalence was similar by race and sex, while white men were more likely than white women to be physically active. Although the attainment of each clinical and lifestyle target separately was generally high among adults with diabetes onset in older adulthood, race and sex differences were apparent. Comprehensive management of clinical and lifestyle factors in people with diabetes remains suboptimal.

Associations of Depression, Physical Activity, and Diabetes with Self-Rated Health in Black Men.

Black men have higher rates of diabetes that are compounded by obesity and limited physical activity leading to poor self-rated health. The purpose of this study was to provide a nationally representative snapshot of indicators for lower self-rated health in Black men with diabetes. An exploratory secondary analysis was conducted of self-report data, physical measurements, and clinical assessments from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset. The analytic sample included 270 Black men 45 years of age or older, who were randomly selected from the dataset through statistical processes. After adjusting for sociodemographic and physiologic characteristics, having diabetes (ß = -0.13), fewer days of physical activity (ßß = 0.13), and more depressive symptoms (ßß = -0.34) had statistically significant associations with self-rated health scores (ps < 0.05). Such associations support the use of self-rated health indices as a monitor for quality of life in clinical practice and identify gaps in research related to self-rated health in Black men.

Understanding the Dietary Habits of Black Men With Diabetes.

Diabetes is highly prevalent in African American men. To provide nurse practitioners with practice strategies we explored African American men's perceived needs for dietary health and diabetes self-management using the Social Cognitive Theory. Twenty-five African American men participated in four focus groups. The data were analyzed using a combination of inductive/deductive content analysis approach. Focus group analysis identified personal, behavioral and environmental barriers to and facilitators for diabetes self-management. Nurse practitioners may need to provide extra emotional support in the absence of informal social support from families for diabetes self-management and dietary health in African American men with diabetes.

Cognitive Reserve Over the Lifespan: Neurocognitive Implications for Aging With HIV.

Approximately 59% of adults living with HIV experience HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, a collection of symptoms and cognitive deficits in various cognitive domains. As the HIV population ages, the prevalence and severity of such cognitive deficits are expected to grow. Understanding how these cognitive deficits manifest is important for nurses and health care providers. This article provides an overview of cognitive reserve and evidence of how it is compromised by HIV, aging, and individual characteristics. Within this context of cognitive reserve, the role of neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, substance use, comorbidities, depression and anxiety, social isolation, and sedentary lifestyle is reviewed. From this, strategies used to address cognitive deficits are provided, including topics such as psychostimulants, cognitive training, multimodal lifestyle interventions, and compensation strategies. Scenarios of successful and unsuccessful cognitive aging are presented to provide a lifespan perspective of cognitive reserve. Implications for clinical practice and research are provided, as it relates to aging.

Return to Work Among Stroke Survivors.

Despite improvements in the treatment of stroke, many individuals still face cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and subsequent failure to return to work (RTW). The purpose of this literature review was to synthesize and discuss the literature relevant to factors affecting RTW for stroke survivors, summarize the identified gaps, and discuss steps occupational health nurses can take to facilitate RTW among stroke survivors. A literature search was conducted using the keywords: "stroke," "cerebrovascular disease," "return to work," and "employment." After excluding articles based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 19 quantitative research articles were reviewed. Consistent themes found in the literature affecting RTW following stroke included physical, social, and cognitive factors. One of the most consistent predictors of RTW found was stroke severity. Individuals who experienced a mild to moderate stroke, those of Caucasian ethnicity, and higher socioeconomic levels were more likely to RTW. Findings suggest the importance of future studies to examine factors among African American stroke survivors that predict RTW and the role of occupational health nurses.

Texting Older Sisters to Step: The TOSS Study.

The purpose of our two-phase study was to develop acceptable text messages to increase physical activity. Four focus groups (two for each phase) were conducted with older African American women who had access to texting-capable mobile phones and were in the contemplation stage for physical activity. The mean age of Phase 1 participants (n = 12) was 71 and ranged from 65 to 86 years. Content analysis was used to identify fundamental themes that were later used to develop text messages. Six categories emerged from the data and 31 text messages were developed based on focus group input and national recommendations. The mean age of Phase 2 participants (n = 9) was 67 and ranged from 65 to 75 years. Descriptive statistics revealed 100% of participants understood all messages. When messages were evaluated individually, a minimum of 78% felt each message motivated activity and 67% said lengths were perfect. Findings identified messages that were relevant and potentially motivational to stimulate physical activity among this population.

Effectiveness of Diabetes Self-Management Education in Community Health.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs utilize a multidisciplinary, skills-based approach allowing participants to make self-management choices and follow a comprehensive plan of care, improving their glycemic control. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the effectiveness of DSME on the reduction of hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) and body mass index (BMI) in overweight/obese community health center patients. METHODS: The free program met 2 hours weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. A retrospective chart review was conducted to compare baseline to post-session HgbA1c and BMI 12 weeks after completion of the program. Pre- and post-session surveys were also conducted to assess improved diabetes knowledge and confidence. RESULTS: Mean HgbA1c decreased by 1.6% (p = .003) 12 weeks after completion of the program; however, BMI remained unchanged (p = .582). Diabetes knowledge and confidence also improved significantly following DSME (p = .000 and p = .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that a reduction in HgbA1c levels and an increase in diabetes knowledge and confidence can occur in low income, community health center patients following participation in DSME. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Community health center patients who have access to free DSME can improve their health, self-efficacy, and diabetes self-management practices.

Understanding health policy to improve primary care management of obesity.

NPs are ideal candidates for implementing positive health changes for obese patients. Providers have medical expertise and can promote obesity reduction strategies to their patients. Increased awareness of the influence of health policy and clinical implications for obesity management are needed.

Factors Influencing Participation in the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program: A DNP Project.

Pre-diabetes is the underlying pathology for type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program is a proven, effective strategy to control or prevent type 2 diabetes; however, there is limited data on what motivates people with pre-diabetes to participate in a Diabetes Prevention Program. Cross-sectional analysis of survey data from adults with pre-diabetes was conducted from October to November 2015. Fisher's exact test was utilized to examine relationships between study variables. Findings indicated that muscle strength was related to commitment to healthy lifestyle behaviors (p = 0.02). Findings also suggested that perceived muscle strength could impact healthful living for patients with pre-diabetes. Future studies for individuals with pre-diabetes are needed to provide afull assessment of motivationfactors for participation in the Diabetes Prevention Program. Nurse Practitioners should work to improve perceived muscle strength in patients with pre-diabetes, which could translate into increased Diabetes Prevention Program attendance.

Depression and physical functioning among older Americans with diabesity: NHANES 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: Caring for older adults with diabesity can be challenging for primary care nurse practitioners. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there would be an additive effect of diabesity on depressive symptoms and physical functioning of older adults. We hypothesized that there is an additive effect of diabesity on depressive symptoms and physical functioning among older adults with one or neither condition. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys collected from African-American and Caucasian adults aged 65 and over between 2009 and 2010. Multivariate linear regression models were utilized. The sample consisted of 918 participants. In covariate-adjusted models, participants with diabesity reported more depressive symptoms than people with neither condition. Individuals with diabesity and those with obesity alone reported significantly more difficulty with physical function when compared to participants with neither condition. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that diabesity was more burdensome to older adults than either condition alone. More research is needed to understand the interplay between depression, physical function, and diabesity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To disrupt the adverse effects of diabesity burden, increased nurse practitioner awareness of this phenomenon may be beneficial in improving and maintaining physical and mental health among older adults.

Challenges to Healthy Eating Practices: A Qualitative Study of Non-Hispanic Black Men Living With Diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore current dietary practices and perceived barriers to healthy eating in non-Hispanic black men with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Four 90-minute focus groups held in September and October 2011 were led by a trained moderator with a written guide to facilitate discussion on dietary practices and barriers to healthy eating. Participants were recruited from the diabetes database at a public safety-net health system in Jefferson County, Alabama. Two-independent reviewers performed content analysis to identify major themes using a combined deductive and inductive approach. RESULTS: There were 34 male participants aged 18 years and older. Mean years living with diabetes was 9.6 ± 5.9. Sixty-two percent of participants perceived themselves to be in fair or poor health. Participants' self-reported eating practices did not always relate to hunger. Internal cues to eat included habit and response to emotions, and external cues to eat included media messaging, medication regimens, and work schedules. Men identified multiple barriers to healthy eating including hard-to-break habits, limited resources and availability of food at home and in neighborhood grocery stores, and perceived poor communication with health care professionals. CONCLUSION: Non-Hispanic black men acknowledged the importance of healthy eating as part of diabetes self-management but reported various internal and external challenges that present barriers to healthy eating. Tailored strategies to overcome barriers to healthy eating among non-Hispanic black men should be developed and tested for their impact on diabetes self-management.

Associations of Social Support and Self-Efficacy With Quality of Life in Older Adults With Diabetes.

Older adults are disproportionately affected by diabetes, which is associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, decreased quality of life (QOL), and increased health care costs. The purpose of the current study was to assess the relationships between social support, self-efficacy, and QOL in a sample of 187 older African American and Caucasian individuals with diabetes. Greater satisfaction with social support related to diabetes (but not the amount of support received) was significantly correlated with QOL. In addition, individuals with higher self-efficacy in managing diabetes had better QOL. In a covariate-adjusted regression model, self-efficacy remained a significant predictor of QOL. Findings suggest the potential importance of incorporating the self-efficacy concept within diabetes management and treatment to empower older adults living with diabetes to adhere to care. Further research is needed to determine whether improving self-efficacy among vulnerable older adult populations may positively influence QOL.