Dissertation Defenses

Doctoral Dissertation Announcement

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Candidate: Janice M. Long

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Interdisciplinary Health Studies

Title: Perceptions of Quality of Life of Latinos with Diabetes Living in the U.S.: Variations by Geographic Region of Origin

Committee:
Dr. Kieran J. Fogarty, Chair
Dr. Amy Curtis
Dr. Kathie Aduddell

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2008 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
College of Health and Human Services, Room 2024

Abstract:
The Latino population, the largest ethnic minority in the United States, is a diverse group originating from numerous geographic regions of Latin America. Latinos vary in the risk for type 2 diabetes, a condition that exacts a costly burden on those who suffer with it. With the Latino population diversity, diverse strategies are needed. One strategy is to improve outcomes of life quality by improving knowledge of those who deliver health services to Latinos with type 2 diabetes. Through measurement of quality of life (QOL), the more precious aspects of living—how one feels about living with diabetes—can me measured. This information may serve to not only predict outcomes, but inform providers of the needs and perceptions of their patients.
The current study uses the Audit for Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL), a diabetes specific quality of life instrument. ADDQoL baseline questionnaires from 297 Latinos with type 2 diabetes were used for a secondary data analysis of a descriptive, comparative study examining the differences in QOL across U.S. immigrants from four geographic regions of Latin America. Results of the study suggest there are no significant differences in quality of life across the regions. Additionally, the ADDQoL data was subjected to principal component analysis to identify sub domains of the ADDQoL that would give insight into the physical, social, and psychological functioning or well-being of subjects. The sub domains were then analyzed for their predictive ability of the overall quality of life of the individual subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Physical functioning and social well-being were the only significant predictors of life quality using the ADDQoL in Latinos with type 2 diabetes. The study findings are useful to raise awareness of the unique differences and commonalities of Latinos as educators and providers work with the population. Further research is needed to examine the ADDQoL and its sub domains, the relationship between Latinos and their healthcare providers and educators, and in identifying teaching strategies for diverse Latino populations. Additionally, research examining the factors of the ADDQoL that contributed to psychological well-being would be helpful.