Towards creating type 2 diabetes mass mediated health communication strategies: An examination of Latino and non -Latino White college students' perception of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

摘要

This study investigated non-Latino Whites and Latino college students' perceptions of the risk of type 2 diabetes onset in their lifetime. Nutrition and physical activity behaviors were identified, as these are important aspects in type 2 diabetes prevention. In addition, aspects such as religiosity, spirituality, fatalism, self-efficacy, and locus of control were considered as they may influence health behavior. Acculturation was used in the Latino sample. Mass media use, influence, and interpersonal communication were also included in the study. Results, showed a significant difference between non-Latino Whites and Latinos in their perception of risk of type 2 diabetes with Latinos scoring higher on risk perception of the onset of type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Results pointed to differences between groups for religiosity with Latinos scoring higher on religiosity than non-Latinos. No significant differences were found for spirituality, fatalism, and self-efficacy. A discriminant analysis isolated eight predictors differentiating the four risk perception groups. High-risk Latinos stood out from other groups. For Latinos, significant differences in the perception of the risk of type 2 diabetes onset were found between Latinos with a high sense of belonging to the Latino group and those with a low sense of belonging. Latinos with a high sense of belonging to the Latino group had a higher perception of risk of type 2 diabetes onset.