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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #172047

Title: THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILY BEHAVIORS ON METABOLOIC CONTROL OF YOUTH WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Author
item Cullen, Karen
item WATSON, KATHY - BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MED
item ANDERSON, BARBARA - TX CHLD HOSP-CLIN CARE CT
item SCHREINER, BARBARA - TX CHLD HOSP-CLIN CARE CT
item MCKAY, SIRIPOOM - TX CHLD HOSP-CLIN CARE CT

Submitted to: American Diabetes Association Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2004
Publication Date: 6/5/2004
Citation: Cullen, K., Watson, K., Anderson, B.J., Schreiner, B., McKay, S. 2004. The influence of family behaviors on metaboloic control of youth with type 2 diabetes. American Diabetes Association Meeting. Orlando, FL.

Interpretive Summary: Not required for an abstract.

Technical Abstract: There has been a significant increase in the numbers of youth with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Little is known about how family behaviors influence metabolic control among youth with T2DM. This study evaluated a 23-item family behavior scale composed of items from two scales developed for youth with type 1 diabetes. The questionnaire was completed by 75 youth with T2DM. Mean age was 14.7 years, mean BMI was 34.3, 61% were girls, 43% were black, 44% Hispanic, 13.3% other ethnicity. Mean A1C was 8.3, with a range from 4.3 to 14. Average duration of diabetes was 2.5 years. Factor analysis was conducted. The resulting factors were evaluated for internal consistency and correlated with A1C. Two factors were obtained from the factor analysis. A 12-item scale with alpha of 0.89 was labeled Positive Family Behaviors and included items like 'How often do your parents praise you for following your meal plan?' A 5-item scale labeled Parental Control had an alpha of 0.75 and included items like 'How often do your parents remind you about following your meal plan?' The Parental Control scale was marginally correlated with A1C (r=0.19, p<0.11), indicating a relationship between controlling parental communications and poorer metabolic control. This suggests that the controlling parental behaviors are not associated with youth achievement of good metabolic control. Family interventions should promote positive family behaviors for youth with T2DM.