Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess type 2 diabetes knowledge, perceptions, risk factor awareness, and prevention practices among African American and Hispanic families with a history of diabetes.
Methods: Ninth and tenth grade Houston area students who had a parent who spoke English or Spanish and had a family history of type 2 diabetes were recruited. Student interviews took place during lunch. Parents were interviewed via telephone. Open-ended questions in the interview guide assessed knowledge of diabetes and risk factors, diabetes prevention practices, and perceived risk. Students reported dietary behaviors. Responses were recorded.
Results: Interviews were conducted with 39 parents (95% female, 49% African-American, 51% Hispanic) and 21 ninth and tenth grade adolescents (71% female, 43% African-American, 57% Hispanic). The majority were overweight. Approximately one-half of both groups reported some knowledge of diabetes. The majority (74%) of parents correctly identified family history as a risk factor, but few adolescents responded correctly. Being overweight was identified as a risk factor by 26% of the parents and 10% of the adolescents. Losing weight was not acknowledged as a way to reduce diabetes risk. Sweetened beverage consumption consisted of 2 cans/day and 43% reported to have skipped breakfast.
Conclusions: Overall, there was a lack of knowledge about risk and prevention of type 2 diabetes among African American and Hispanic families at risk. From a public health perspective, there is a critical need for innovative prevention programs targeting families at risk for diabetes.