Health Behavior Changes after a Diabetes Diagnosis: The Moderating Role of Social Support.

TitleHealth Behavior Changes after a Diabetes Diagnosis: The Moderating Role of Social Support.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsQin, W
JournalBehavioral Medicine
Volume49
Issue3
Pagination292-301
ISSN Number0896-4289
KeywordsDiabetes, Health Behavior, Self-efficacy, Social Support
Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between a diagnosis of diabetes and health behavior changes among middle-aged and older adults, and whether self-efficacy and social support moderate the relationship. The study sample was selected from the 2006 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 13,143). A diagnosis of diabetes was ascertained by self-reported physician-diagnosed condition. Self-efficacy was measured using a 5-item scale. Social support from family and friends was measured separately by a same 3-item scale. Three health behaviors were assessed, including drinking, smoking, and physical activity. Mixed-effects regression models were conducted to test the study aims. Findings showed that participants reduced drinking after a diagnosis of diabetes. A significant interaction between social support from family and a diabetes diagnosis was found in predicting drinking reduction and smoking cessation. These findings suggest that a diagnosis of diabetes may trigger individuals' motivation to initiate health-promoting behaviors. Mobilizing social support from family may help individuals adopt health-promoting behaviors and manage diabetes after a diagnosis.

DOI10.1080/08964289.2022.2050670
Citation Key12337
PubMed ID35350953