Factors that affect health outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study

Abstract 

Background

Factors that individually influence blood sugar control, health-related quality of life, and diabetes self-care behaviors have been widely investigated; however, most previous diabetes studies have not tested an integrated association between a series of factors and multiple health outcomes.

Objectives

The purposes of this study are to identify risk factors and protective factors and to examine the impact of risk factors and protective factors on adaptive outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes.

Design

A descriptive correlational design was used to examine a theoretical model of risk factors, protective factors, and adaptive outcomes.

Settings

This study was conducted at the endocrine outpatient departments of three hospitals in Taiwan.

Participants

A convenience sample of 334 adults with type 2 diabetes aged 40 and over.

Methods

Data were collected by a self-reported questionnaire and physiological examination. Using the structural equation modeling technique, measurement and structural regression models were tested.

Results

Age and life events reflected the construct of risk factors. The construct of protective factors was explained by diabetes symptoms, coping strategy, and social support. The construct of adaptive outcomes comprised HbA1c, health-related quality of life, and self-care behaviors. Protective factors had a significant direct effect on adaptive outcomes (β=0.68, p<0.001); however, risk factors did not predict adaptive outcomes (β=−0.48, p=0.118).

Conclusions

Identifying and managing risk factors and protective factors are an integral part of diabetes care. This theoretical model provides a better understanding of how risk factors and protective factors work together to influence multiple adaptive outcomes in people living with type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Protective factors, Risk factors, Structural equation modeling, Type 2 diabetes