Social support and physical activity in type 2 diabetes: a social-ecologic approach.

PURPOSE: This study utilized social-ecology to describe sources of social-environmental support for physical activity perceived by people with type 2 diabetes, and examined the relationship between support and physical activity. METHODS: Multidimensional support and physical activity were measured in 58 people with diabetes. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used. RESULTS: Support from the media scored highest, followed by the health care team, personal support, workplace, family and friends, and lowest for the community. Physical activity was related to personal, media, and community support. CONCLUSIONS: Using a social-ecological approach, health care professionals must focus on enhancing support from media sources, strengthening community context, and bolstering personal self-management. Professionals must also critically examine patient-provider interactions to motivate lifestyle change.

Self-monitoring of physical activity: effects on self-efficacy and behavior in people with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of keeping daily activity records on physical activity levels and self-efficacy for physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to examine the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention from the perspective of the participants. METHODS: This intervention study included 58 individuals with type 2 diabetes aged 40 to 65 years. Participants were randomly assigned: individuals in the intervention group kept daily activity records for 6 weeks, mailed to the researcher every 2 weeks. Data collection was completed at the beginning of the study and 6 weeks later, using the habitual physical activity index and the self-efficacy for exercise scale. Participants in the intervention group also completed the perceived feasibility checklist. RESULTS: The intervention resulted in enhanced self-efficacy. Physical activity improved in both the intervention and control groups. Activity recording was judged to be acceptable and feasible. CONCLUSIONS: Daily activity recording can be used as part of a program to increase physical activity self-efficacy levels. Focused interactions between health care providers and patients may be enough to motivate people to higher levels of physical activity. The relationship between self-efficacy and behavior is complex and should be the subject of further research.

The role of social support in the self-management of diabetes mellitus among a Hispanic population.

The rising incidence of diabetes mellitus continues to be a major health concern among Hispanic Americans. Social support has been found to be a relevant factor in diabetes self-management, however, it has not been explored within a Hispanic community. This cross-sectional study was therefore conducted with 95 insulin-requiring Hispanic adults to explore the composition of the support network, the type of assistance needed, the degree of satisfaction with support received, and the relationship between social support and diabetes self-management. Overall, the participants had fairly large networks, composed primarily of family members. The greatest need for assistance was associated with transportation or interactions that involved speaking English, and the assistance offered in these areas was viewed as highly satisfactory. Participants were least satisfied with the help they received for diabetes-related self-care, personal care, and financial assistance. Social support was not strongly related to diabetes self-management. Community health nurses must be aware that this population may have needs that are unsatisfactorily met. They should provide education and resources for support persons and carefully evaluate the support network, not only for availability, but also for satisfaction. Effort should also be directed toward developing alternative support for those without available family.