Diabetes knowledge, fatalism and type 2 diabetes-preventive behavior in an ethnically diverse sample of college students

Health Fatalism Does Not Predict Body Mass Index but Is Associated with Diet Quality in Healthy Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

Obesity as assessed by body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of chronic disease. Health fatalism, defined as the belief that health outcomes are outside of one's control, is also associated with chronic disease risk. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to understand the relationship between health fatalism and BMI in healthy adults. Secondary outcomes assessed the relationships between health fatalism and diet quality and health fatalism and physical activity.

METHOD

Healthy individuals aged 18 to 65 years were recruited via ResearchMatch, electronic mailing lists, and social media. Participants completed online questionnaires on demographic characteristics, diet quality, physical activity, and degree of health fatalism. Regression models were used to assess the primary and secondary outcomes. For the primary outcome, the model of health fatalism (predictor) and BMI (outcome) was also adjusted for diet quality, physical activity, and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 496) were 38.7 ± 14.3 years old and primarily female (76%) and White (81%), with a BMI of 25.1 ± 5.2 kg/m2. Most participants had a college or post-college education (74%), stated that they always had sufficient income to live comfortably (90%), and were moderately to highly active (91%). There was no relationship between health fatalism and BMI (p > 0.05) or health fatalism and physical activity (p > 0.05); however, there was a significant relationship between health fatalism and diet quality (beta coefficient: -0.046; 95% confidence interval, -0.086 to -0.0058; p = 0.025), such that a higher degree of fatalism predicted a slight decrease in diet quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although health fatalism did not predict BMI in this population, fatalistic beliefs were associated with poorer diet quality.

Knowledge about type 2 diabetes: its impact for future management

Diabetes can cause several long-term complications. Knowledge about this disease can play an important role in reducing diabetes-related complications. In addition, the lack of awareness leads to misconceptions, which joined with inadequate knowledge, are relevant barriers to proper diabetes management. In this study, we aimed to assess the diabetes knowledge of a type 2 diabetes (T2D) population and identify major knowledge gaps, in order to prevent complications and to increase quality of life. In a cross-sectional, observational study in a convenience sample, we identified individuals diagnosed with T2D attending ambulatory visits from five health settings, older than 18 years, with a time diagnosis of at least 1 year, and attending multidisciplinary visits for at least 3 months. To assess the knowledge of T2D individuals, we applied the Portuguese version of the Diabetes Knowledge Test. The sample included a total of 1,200 persons, of whom almost half were female. The age range of the participants varied from 24 to 94 years old, and the mean age was 65.6 ± 11.4 years. Most of the sample had a level of education under secondary and lived with someone. In our sample, 479 (39.9%) were insulin-treated. The percentage of correct answers was 51.8% for non-insulin vs. 58.7% for insulin treated (p < 0.05). There were three items with a percentage of correct answers lower than 15%; the item with the lower value of correct answers was the one related to the identification of signs of ketoacidosis with only 4.4% of correct answers, the errors presented a random pattern; the item related to the identification of which food should not be used to treat low blood glucose with 11.9%, where 56.9% of the sample's participants considered that one cup of skim milk would be the correct answer (53.1% in non-insulin patients and 62.6% in insulin treated patients; p < 0.001). The item regarding the knowledge of free food presented a 13.3% of correct answers (10.8% non-insulin group vs. 17.1% insulin group; p < 0.01). Two of the three items with lower value of correct answers were related to glycemic control and health status monitoring, the other was related to diet and food.

Fatalism tendency and health beliefs about medication use in older adults: A predictive correlational design

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to investigate fatalism tendency and health beliefs about medication use and to identify predisposing factors of these variables among older adults.

METHODS

A predictive correlational design was used. The study was completed with 500 older adults. A personal information form, the Fatalism Tendency Scale, and the Drug Use Health Beliefs Scale were used to collect data. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis was performed for data analysis.

RESULTS

Fatalism tendency was found to be high in older adults who used medications prescribed by the physician in different ways, used the medications more than the recommended amount, and used medications at random intervals. Older adults who used over-the-counter medications and discontinued the medications before the due date had lower health beliefs about conscious and prescription medication use.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concluded that characteristics regarding medication use predicted both fatalism tendencies and medication use health beliefs. Health perception was found to be one of the predisposing factors of medication use health beliefs, whereas education level was another predictive factor of fatalism tendency.

Psychological Pathways Through Which Social Norms and Social Identity Influence Eating Behavior: Testing a Conceptual Model

BACKGROUND

Although interventions frequently promote healthy eating, failing to consider psychosocial factors, such as social norms, may limit the effectiveness of these efforts. Perceived social norms are a well-documented determinant of eating behavior; however, there is limited understanding of the processes through which, and for whom, this relationship emerges. Using identity-based motivation as a theoretical framework, we present a conceptual model identifying one route through which descriptive social norms-beliefs about how others behave-predict eating behavior, and test whether this process varies across social identities (e.g., self-perceived weight status).

METHOD

Structured telephone interviews were conducted for a national sample of non-diabetic adults who identified as non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, or Mexican American (n = 990).

RESULTS

Multigroup SEM analysis comparing individuals who self-identified as overweight (versus "about the right weight" and underweight) demonstrated that perceiving descriptive social norms that people do not eat healthy foods predicted greater perceived barriers to eating healthy foods. Perceived barriers, in turn, predicted stronger beliefs that body weight is uncontrollable, and this relationship was stronger for participants who self-identified as overweight (relative to participants who did not identify as overweight). These beliefs subsequently predicted greater self-reported consumption of unhealthy foods (e.g., sweets), but did not predict consumption of fruits or vegetables.

CONCLUSIONS

This study extends our understanding of a psychosocial process that predicts consumption of unhealthy foods and underscores the importance of social identities for shaping responses to perceived norms.

Evaluation of Health Science Students' Health Fatalism and Perception Towards Patients With Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Global Study

Introduction The social acceptance of patients with epilepsy is largely determined by society's opinion of epilepsy; therefore, individuals with epilepsy could face prejudice and stigma as a result of negative impressions. Religious beliefs and mystical notions have been shown to influence attitudes toward epilepsy. Health fatalism could also be detrimental to society's and caregivers' approach toward such patients. In extreme settings, this could hinder them from obtaining an adequate treatment process. Methods A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted from February 2022 to May 2022 in Saudi Arabia, Spain, Scotland, and Italy using an online questionnaire consisting of 33 questions concerning the Health Fatalism Scale (HFS), the Epilepsy Knowledge Scale (EKS), and the Epilepsy Attitude Scale (EAS). Results A total of 735 health science students (HSS) participated in the present study. The majority of participants were females (64.1%) while male participants represented 34.6% of the study. Health science students currently studying in Saudi Arabia represented the majority of participants with a percentage of 58.5%. Among the four countries, students in Saudi Arabia presented with the highest knowledge mean score. Students in Spain had the highest mean attitude score. Muslim students had the highest mean fatalism scores followed by Christian students. Conclusion In general, a high level of knowledge was observed among the participants, most notably, among Saudis who presented with the highest level of knowledge across the four countries. Regarding attitude, Spanish students presented the best attitude towards patients with epilepsy. Low fatalism scores were commonly observed across all countries regardless of their different demographic characteristics. Fatalism perception should be further detailed to ensure optimal services are delivered without prejudgment by future healthcare workers.

Predictors of diabetes risk perception among college students

Objective: To explore the diabetes knowledge and future disease risk perception of college students. Participants: 697 college students were purposefully recruited at a large state university and completed an online survey. Methods: Diabetes knowledge, future disease risk perception, lifestyle, and demographic factors were assessed. Results: The majority of students (56%) reported a family history of diabetes but perceived their diabetes risk as low/moderate (90%). Logistic regression indicated higher knowledge (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13), age (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.16), bodymassindex (BMI) (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 2.33-10.30) and family history of diabetes (OR, 4.30; 95% CI, 1.97-9.40) increased perception of future diabetes risk. Those who self-rated their health as good/excellent and read food labels regularly/often had lower perceived future risk of diabetes. Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of educating college students on diabetes risk factors as well as primary/secondary prevention for reducing diabetes incidence in this age group.

Systematic review: Perceptions of type 2 diabetes of people of African descent living in high-income countries

AIMS

To describe how people of African descent perceive and understand type 2 diabetes, and to examine the impact of their perceptions and beliefs on the uptake of diet, exercise, weight control and adherence to medication recommendations.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review of quantitative and qualitative studies.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Psych INFO, Academic Search Premier, Education Research Complete, Web of Science and Scopus, World Health Organization (WHO), Diabetes UK and American Diabetes Association for articles published from January 1999 to December 2019.

REVIEW METHODS

Informed by the PRISMA guidelines, we independently reviewed titles and abstracts, identified articles for full-text review that met inclusion criteria, conducted a quality assessment and extracted data. Findings were synthesized using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Knowledge and understanding of diabetes were poor. Beliefs and behaviours about diet, exercise, weight and health care were erroneous. Most diabetic participants could not recognize diabetes symptoms, failed to take their diagnosis seriously and did not adhere to medication recommendations. The resultant effect was an increased risk of complications with undesirable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Poor diabetes perceptions are linked to negative consequences and may be responsible for poorer outcomes among people of African descent. This review highlights the need to consider this population's beliefs and practices in structuring culturally sensitive programmes for diabetes management.

IMPACT

This systematic literature review is the first to exclusively explore perceptions of people of African descent in relation to diabetes. It is important to consider people of African descents' diabetes perceptions and practices before formulating interventions for their diabetes management.

Evaluation of nursing students' health fatalism, knowledge, and attitudes toward patients with epilepsy

AIM

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between nursing students' health fatalism, epilepsy knowledge, attitudes, and some sociodemographic variables.

METHODS

The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 423 nursing department students who were studying at a state university and who agreed to participate in the study in the Elazığ province in eastern Turkey during the 2020-2021 academic year. The data were collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Health Fatalism Scale (HFS), the Epilepsy Knowledge Scale (EKS), and the Epilepsy Attitude Scale (EAS).

RESULTS

The nursing students had total mean scores of 46.95 ± 12.98, 6.94 ± 3.81, and 50.19 ± 8.47 for the HFS, EKS, and EAS, respectively. A positive and significant correlation was found between the EKS and EAS scores. First-year students had lower HFS scores than students in their second and fourth years. Third- and fourth-year students, those living in rural areas, and those who had patients with epilepsy in their families or immediate environments had higher EKS scores. Female students and those who had patients with epilepsy in their families or immediate environments had higher EKS and EAS scores. A significant positive correlation was found between age and the EKS score, whereas a significant negative correlation was found between age and the EAS score.

CONCLUSION

While nursing students generally had low levels of epilepsy knowledge, they had positive attitudes toward epilepsy and moderate levels of health fatalism. The study found that students' positive attitudes toward epilepsy increased as their levels of knowledge about the disorder increased. Age, gender, educational status, place of residence, the presence of a chronic disease, and knowing someone with epilepsy all affected HFS, EKS, and EAS scores.

Beyond "Watching the Sweets": An interpretive description of adolescent's understandings and insights into preventing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents' experiences and knowledge of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and identify appropriate T2D education and prevention interventions for this population.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This interpretive description study was conducted at two urban high schools in midwestern Canada. Participants had been previously screened and considered at high risk for T2D, prediabetes, or as having T2D. Individual, semistructured interviews were conducted with twelve adolescents between the age of 14-19 years meeting these criteria. Thematic analysis was completed using interview transcripts.

RESULTS

Themes and subthemes identified included (1) Type 2 Diabetes: More Than Too Many Sweets (Mostly Diet but Insulin Does Play a Role, and A Serious but Common Disease); (2) Who Holds the Power? (Personal Responsibility for Health, Family as Role Models, and Community Connections); and (3) Bringing Home the Message (Our Considerations for Schools, I need the Expert's Support, and Using Technology to Get the Points Across).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Findings from this study provide target areas for education and prevention interventions and approaches for working with adolescents surrounding prediabetes and T2D that may be effective.