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Home > Health Sciences > JHDRP > Vol. 12 (2018-2019) > Iss. 2

 

Keywords

prediabetes; diabetes; prevention; community health; African American; faith-based

Disciplines

Behavioral Medicine | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Health Psychology

Abstract

African Americans (AAs) are disproportionately diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes, and related complications. Guidelines for prediabetes/diabetes screening emphasize reaching at-risk adults. The AA church has potential to increase reach of BGS with AA church members and community members. The current study identified predictors of blood glucose screening (BGS) and individuals with missed opportunities for BGS among church-affiliated AA adults. Participants were drawn from a previous pilot study (Project Faith Influencing Transformation) conducted in six AA churches over eight months. Eligibility criteria included self-identifying as AA and being aged 18 or older. Participants who had previously been diagnosed with diabetes were excluded, resulting in a final sample of N = 274. Participants were primarily female (68%), with an average age of 52 years. Slightly more than half of participants (54%) had obtained BGS in the past year. Logistic regression revealed that BGS was less likely among participants who had less routine doctor visits. Among church members, likelihood of BGS increased with number of years as a member. Participants who were older and uninsured were more likely to have a missed opportunity for BGS. Implications for diabetes prevention efforts, particularly faith-based diabetes prevention interventions for AAs, are discussed.

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