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Title: PERCEPTION OF DIABETES AS A HEALTH PROBLEM IN THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA

Author
item MCGEE, B - SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
item SIMPSON, P - ACHRI-DAC
item FOMBY, B - SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
item THORNTON, A - SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
item EUBANKS, G - SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
item MELLAD, K - SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: The 1890 Association of Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2003
Publication Date: 3/29/2003
Citation: MCGEE, B.B., SIMPSON, P., FOMBY, B., THORNTON, A., EUBANKS, G., MELLAD, K. PERCEPTION OF DIABETES AS A HEALTH PROBLEM IN THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA. THE 1890 ASSOCIATION OF RESEARCH DIRECTORS BIENNIAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM. Atlanta, Georgia. 2003. p. 86-87.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The burden of diabetes in adults in the United States has increased over the last decade. Diabetes is a serious health risk to millions of Americans. A sample of 409 individuals from 12 professional and lay roles in eight community sectors in 36 counties in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi were interviewed about nutrition and health perceptions. The key informants (KIs) were asked to state the three most important health problems. Fewer KIs chose diabetes (19%), than drug addition (37%), cancer (31%) and heart disease (34%). Teenage pregnancy (51%) and high blood pressure (54%) were reported most often. Fewer Caucasians (13%) rated diabetes as a problem than did African Americans (27%, p < 001). Among sectors there was a slight difference in perceptions of diabetes as a major health problem, although not significant at p <0.05 the biggest discrepancy was between the business sector (9%) and the voluntary/private organization sector (34%). Males (16%) were less likely than females (22%) to report that diabetes was a significant health problem in their community. These perceptions are consistent with national data showing higher rates among African Americans and women. When asked if they were aware of the existence of screening programs for diabetes in their community, 20% indicated that they were not aware of such programs. This survey indicated that the level of awareness of the prevalence of diabetes, the severity of the problem and the availability of screening programs in the community vary among KIs and interventions to enhance awareness are needed.