The quality of family relationships, diabetes self-care, and health outcomes in older adults

Daniel David, Joanne Dalton, Cherlie Magny-Normilus, Maura Moran Brain, Tyler Linster, Sei J. Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between family support, diabetes self-care, and health outcomes in older, community-dwelling adults. Using the theoretical framework of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Theory and a cross-sectional design, 60 participants completed questionnaires related to diabetes self-care activities of the individual, supportive and nonsupportive diabetes behaviors of the family, and the quality of family relations. Participants indicated that diabetes self-care behaviors were performed frequently, with exercise reported as the least-performed behavior. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the quality of family relations as measured by the Family Relationship Index contributed significantly (26.0%) to the variability in A1C levels (R2 = 0.260, F(1, 40) = 14.037, P = 0.001). Neither family supportive behavior nor the quality of family relations contributed to diabetes self-care. It is recommended that health care providers include family members to assess diabetes family support and family relationships in the care of older adults with diabetes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)132-138
Number of pages7
JournalDiabetes Spectrum
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

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