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Self-Management, Social Support, Religiosity and Self-Rated Health Among Older Mexicans Diagnosed with Diabetes

Rivera-Hernandez, Maricruz
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1366390281

Abstract Details

2013, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Population and Social Gerontology.
Diabetes is a major health concern affecting countries around the world. In Mexico, diabetes will be one of the most challenging health problems in coming years. Diabetes is associated with negative health outcomes, including micro and macrovascular complications that can decrease the quality of life and increase the risk of death. Though there is convincing evidence about the benefits of social support, religiosity, and self-management on physical and psychological well-being, there is no systematic examination of the specific interrelationships among these variables and how they predict self-rated health in Hispanics, especially in diabetic Mexicans. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the potentially beneficial effects of social support, religiosity, and self-management on health among Mexican diabetics who are middle-aged and older. A mixed methods approach featuring structural equation modeling and semi-structured key informant interviews was used to address the topic. Data from Mexican Health and Aging Study/Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en Mexico (MHAS/ENASEM), a national representative survey of older Mexicans was used to assess the quantitative relationships. Qualitative interviews with ten religious leaders were conducted to shed light on the role of the Church in promoting health of older Mexicans with diabetes. The results indicated that religiosity and emotional support from spouses/partners was positively associated with self-management, and emotional support from spouses/partners was also associated with health. The major themes from the qualitative interviews emphasized the importance of open communication between church leaders and their parishioners, the role of the church in diabetes programs, and the unique position of religious institutions as a link between physical and spiritual aspects of health. The findings could be used to develop culturally-specific and church-based education programs for this population, evaluate existing programs and services for older adults with diabetes, and to support programs for diabetic older adults and their families.
Suzanne Kunkel (Committee Chair)
Scott Brown (Committee Co-Chair)
Robert Applebaum (Committee Member)
Jennifer Bulanda (Committee Member)
John Bailer (Committee Member)
169 p.
Aging; Behavioral Sciences; Clerical Studies; Gerontology; Health; Health Care; Health Care Management; Health Education; Hispanic American Studies; Hispanic Americans; Individual and Family Studies; Latin American Studies; Minority and Ethnic Groups; Public Health; Public Health Education; Regional Studies; Religion; Religious Education; Sociology; Spirituality
aging; health; diabetes; social support; religiosity; Mexico; self-management; older adults; religious leaders; spirituality; spousal support; gerontology; community support; faith-based organizations; the role of the church; health promotion

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rivera-Hernandez, M. (2013). Self-Management, Social Support, Religiosity and Self-Rated Health Among Older Mexicans Diagnosed with Diabetes [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1366390281

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rivera-Hernandez, Maricruz. Self-Management, Social Support, Religiosity and Self-Rated Health Among Older Mexicans Diagnosed with Diabetes. 2013. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1366390281.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rivera-Hernandez, Maricruz. "Self-Management, Social Support, Religiosity and Self-Rated Health Among Older Mexicans Diagnosed with Diabetes." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1366390281

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1366390281
799
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.